Functional pavement considerations are fundamental to the performance and management of pavements. In addition to structural and durability requirements, an optimum pavement wearing surface should provide a combination of a good riding quality, adequate friction and macrotexture, and a low noise level. All these properties are highly influenced by the various components of the pavement surface texture. Phase I of the program demonstrated that a collaborative research program can provide an accessible and efficient way for highway agencies and other organizations to conduct research on pavement surface properties. The collaboration helped the participating agencies explore new technologies, as well as verify the operation and accuracy of the equipment currently used for evaluating pavement function.

The main objective of the pooled-fund program of research has been to conduct applied research focused on enhancing the level of service provided by the roadway transportation system by optimizing pavement surface characteristics. Phase I of the study included regular verification and validation of the participant’s equipment, opportunities for technology transfer, and the accumulation of a significant body of knowledge on the measurement of pavement surface properties. Practical and tangible results were documented and disseminated though a large number of publications listed in the Phase 1 Outcomes (see study Documents). Examples of technologies that were evaluated as part of this program include high-friction surfaces (HFS) and Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME). HFS treatments have been adopted as a low-cost countermeasure as part of the Every-day-Counts FHWA program. CFME’s are currently being used to support the development of a new generation of friction management programs. Phase II of the program continues to support the member’s effort to produce high-quality surface properties measurements but focuses on supporting the enhancing and adoption of emerging friction and macrotexture measurement technologies and the integration of these measurements into the next generation of pavement asset management systems. The focus will be on developing and deploying asset management approaches and tools that help improve the safety of our road networks by reducing the number of crashes and related fatalities. It will also seek participation of industry through the pooled-fund or an industrial affiliate program.

Within this new focus the consortium will continue to host annual equipment rodeos with more focus on the frictional properties of the pavement surface. These events provide a valuable opportunity for the verification and calibration of the equipment. Just as importantly, the annual gatherings provide a forum for discussion of common challenges, a unique opportunity to seek solutions for these challenges, learn from each other, and be exposed to emerging practices and technologies. In addition, the consortium researchers will support the members with the evaluation, and enhancing if necessary, of emerging technologies for measuring the frictional properties. These evaluations will be complemented with demonstrations of the technologies (e.g., CFME) through pilot programs, equipment loans, and development of specifications for the acquisition of equipment or services, and/or support for the establishment of measurement programs. The consortium will also provide support for developing and deploying pilot pavement friction management programs (PFMP), which can be integrated into the agencies asset and performance management process. This will support the implementation of the MAP-21 requirements.

We are seeking at least 5 to 6 partners at a contribution level of $20k per year ( more partners would be welcome). We likewise anticipate programming for a 5-year timeframe. Some specific benefits of participating in the consortium include: • Core program and significant physical resources already in-place. Operation costs shared by many. • Consortium participants have priority and free access to the facility during the pre-accorded dates. •Consortium participants will select key areas of program emphasis, as well as specific research projects. • Workforce development - scientists/engineers trained on pavement surface properties through master’s and doctoral thesis funded through the consortium. • Yearly attendance to the annual Road Profiler Users’ Group (RPUG) meeting, including simplification of the travel procedure for state travelers.