Fundamentals Of High Friction Surface Treatment

By Virginia Walker


Road surfaces undergo a lot of damage as a result of excessive abrasion with vehicles tires. That has prompted researchers to try and come up with solutions to the problem. Badly eroded roads are major causes of accidents and high friction surface treatment, usually shortened to HFST is a solution to that problem. The process allies a thin topping of durable, high-friction aggregates onto surfaces. The function of the topping is to protect against polishing and wear.

The engineering topping adheres very strongly to the surface it is applied to as a result of good engineering. This results into a rough, hard, and long lasting surface, which can effectively withstand abrasion from applications such as snowplowing and heavy braking. High abrasion surface treatment as a process is usually done on paved surfaces to makes driving safer by introducing certain characteristics.

When applied on roads, HFST serves to offer the tarmac the necessary friction that vehicles need in critical braking and cornering maneuvers. It is important that the appropriate amount of pavement abrasion be maintained for safe driving. Without the necessary abrasive force, vehicles can skid when they brake excessively, turn abruptly, or speed. Roads lose their abrasive force when they are used for a long time.

The ability of HFST technology in addressing site-specific issues on roads is very unique. It should be installed on roads at point where vehicles start braking. The point where installation should start can be determined by observing brake lights on horizontal curves. The intention here is to ensure that drivers slow down when entering into curves. In most states, the HFST treatment is ended at the point of tangent on the road.

There are many advantages that accrue from HFST to driver going turning around curves. Drivers who are over-speeding are able to brake down effectively when turning to avoid crashing. Most research findings show that crashing happens when driver that are over-speeding become unable to brake effectively. HFST retains its polish-resistance quality even on wet roads. Therefore, among the best road safety measures that governments can take application of HFST is one of them.

Double layer application of HFST is also possible. Double layers are mostly applied on bridge decks. The purpose of applying double layers is to ensure that water penetration is totally prevented and to enhance the longevity of the application. Double applications are still being tested and experimented with. Large scale adoption has not happened yet.

The life expectancy of HFST is dictated by several factors. Some of them include type, nature, and volume of traffic, type of roadway, and geometry of the road. Generalization is hard, but should also be avoided. On average, doing the installation properly can lead to this technology lasting for 7 to 12 years.

In the US, a service life of more than 15 years in bridge deck applications has been reported. Statistics vary from one state and location to another. Either way, considering the cost of installing HFST and the benefits accruing from it, it is best to have it installed.




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