Citation

Grady JE, Chamberlin WP. Transp. Res. Rec. 1981; 836: 67-76.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper discusses the depth required for grooves on new tine-textured concrete pavements in order to ensure an adequate skid resistance over their entire design life. It is based on measure of texture depth and skid resistance, with both ribbed and smooth tires, made on new to 5-year-old pavements in New York. Initial groove-depth needs of 3/16-in. minimum were calculated from two values estimated from the study data: (a) minimum groove depth (0.050 in.) to ensure adequate skid resistance with a minimum legal tire tread and (b) mean groove wear rate (0.013 in./million vehicle passes). Groove depth measurements on new concrete pavements and bridge decks indicated 21 and 14 percent compliance, respectively, with the proposed new standard of 3/16-in. minimum, and 60 and 44 percent compliance with the current standard of 2/16-in. minimum. Prospects for improving the compliance rate were judged to be most promising in two areas--increasing the awareness and motivation of construction personnel and improving the design of tining rakes over those now in use. Although the findings of this study are specific to standards and conditions in New York, the methodology should be of general interest.