Angular Parameter for Characterizing Road Surface Microtexture

Abstract

Development of a device for measuring road surface microtexture and the determination of a microtexture parameter related to wet road/tire friction are discussed. A laser autofocus system was selected from existing devices. The required characteristics were defined from consideration of the contact between wet roads and tires. The autofocus principle is presented briefly, and comparison is made with a tactile system. The microtexture parameter, called the theta parameter, is defined from the useful parts of the texture profiles, that is, those in contact with the tire. It characterizes relative positions of profile peaks. A simple method was proposed to define the peaks. The profile analysis program is presented briefly. Relevance of the theta parameter was validated on surfaces composed of coarse aggregates with planar exposed faces. The specimens were polished using a projection method to emphasize the microtexture contrast between surfaces. Friction was measured using a skid resistance tester (SRT) pendulum. Profiles were measured using both laser and tactile systems. Characteristics of profiles are given. The statistical distribution of theta values obtained on a profile may be described by an exponential function. Close agreement was found between theta values obtained from laser and tactile profiles, values from laser profiles being somewhat lower. The difference is attributed to profile length. Fair correlation was found ( r2 > 0.80) between theta values and SRT friction, and similar tendencies were observed from laser and tactile data.