Effects of road particulate contaminants on pavement skid resistance.

To understand the effect of particulate contaminants on pavement skid resistance, the friction numbers of three surfaces under different pollution conditions (particle size, coverage fraction, and shape factor) were measured using a British Pendulum Tester (BPT). The results show that less than 45% coverage fraction of the particles above 0.3 mm even results in almost 50% friction loss at a low speed of 10 km/h. In this situation, the rougher surface has a stronger holding particles capacity. Moreover, the particle size determining the lowest friction level gradually increases as the surface roughness increases. The particle size of 1.18–2.36 mm is the most typical size range leading to a low friction level. In addition, the friction first drops sharply and then increases slowly with the coverage fraction increases, which also conforms to the Stribeck curve. The skid resistance of road surfaces covered with particles was tested. Effects of particle size, coverage fraction, and shape on friction were analysed. Potential hazard scenarios with particulate contaminants were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]