Predicting Asphalt Mixture Skid Resistance Based on Aggregate Characteristics (0-5627-1)

The objective of this research project was to develop a method to determine the skid resistance of an asphalt mixture based on aggregate characteristics and gradation. Asphalt mixture slabs with different combinations of aggregate sources and mixture designs were fabricated in the laboratory, and their skid resistance was measured after different polishing intervals. The wheel-polishing device developed by the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) was used for polishing the slabs. Frictional characteristics of each slab were measured by sand patch method, British Pendulum, Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT), and Circular Texture Meter (CTMeter). Aggregates were characterized using a number of conventional test methods, and aggregate texture was measured using the Aggregate Imaging System (AIMS) after different polishing intervals in the Micro-Deval device. Petrographic analyses were performed using thin sections made with aggregates from each of these sources. Petrographic analyses provided the mineralogical composition of each source. The aggregate gradation was quantified by fitting the cumulative Weibull distribution function to the gradation curve. This function allows describing the gradation by using only two parameters. The results of the analysis confirmed a strong relationship between mix frictional properties and aggregate properties. The main aggregate properties affecting the mix skid resistance were Polish Stone Value, texture change before and after Micro-Deval measured by AIMS, terminal texture after Micro-Deval measured by AIMS, and coarse aggregate acid insolubility value. The analysis has led to the development of a model for the International Friction Index (IFI) of asphalt mixtures as a function of polishing cycles. The parameters of this model were determined as functions of (a) initial and terminal aggregate texture measured using AIMS, (b) rate of change in aggregate texture measured using AIMS after different polishing intervals, and the (c) Weibull distribution parameters describing aggregate gradation. This model allows estimating the frictional characteristics of an asphalt mixture during the mixture design stage.