Using lateral coefficient of friction to evaluate effectiveness of plowing and sanding operations

Abstract

Returning the streets to safe driving conditions during wintertime is a priority in cold regions. Using Real-Time Traction Tool (RT3)-Curve’s lateral friction measurements, the effectiveness of plowing and three rates of sanding on different road conditions was investigated. Even a low amount of sand caused a significant reduction in friction on bare dry surfaces. Plowing did not provide significant benefits on ice; though it was a critical operation for snow conditions. While low sanding did not necessarily improve friction over plowed ice and snow, medium and high sanding considerably increased friction over plowed ice and snow. Regression analysis on the collected data revealed that abrasive mixtures can quickly scatter off the road due to high-speed traffic; it also showed that the salt portion of the mixture was not able to melt the ice before it was scattered from the road; however, it was immediately effective for snow at −8 °C.