Functional pavement considerations are fundamental to the performance and management of pavements. In addition to structural and durability requirements, an optimum wearing surface should provide a combination of a good riding quality, adequate friction & water handling capability, and a low noise level. All these properties are highly influenced by the various components of the pavement surface texture. Previous phases 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, verify the operation and accuracy of the equipment currently used for evaluating pavement function, and enhance the methodology developed by FHWA for developing and implementing proactive friction management programs.

The mission of the Surface Properties Consortium 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 [TPF-5(141)] included regular verification and validation of the participants’ equipment, opportunities for technology transfer, and the accumulation of a significant body of knowledge on the measurement of pavement surface properties. Phase II [TPF-5(345)] continued to support the members’ effort to produce high-quality surface properties measurements, but focused mainly on emerging friction and macrotexture measurement technologies and the integration of these measurements into the next generation of pavement asset management systems. Practical and tangible results were well documented and disseminated. The focus of Phase III will be on continuing to support the implementation of 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 represent a concerted effort to bring pavement design and evaluation experts together with maintenance and safety professionals to maximize the contribution of the pavement community Towards Zero Deaths on US highways. 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 equipment rodeos with more focus on measuring safety-related characteristics of the highway surface and understanding how they affect crash risk. The rodeos provide a valuable opportunity for the verification and calibration of the equipment, as well as to explore specific questions through carefully designed experiments. The annual gatherings also 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. The consortium researchers will help plan and conduct experiments associated with the annual equipment rodeos. They will also support the members with evaluation, enhancement if necessary, and demonstration of emerging technologies. Additional support may include help with pilot programs, equipment loans, and development of specifications for the acquisition of equipment or services. 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.

For the core functions of the consortium, we are seeking at least 8 to 10 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. Agencies interested in demonstrations of CFME, evaluation of the effectiveness of friction improvement treatments, and/or development of pilot pavement friction management programs in their states will be expected to contribute additional resources to support the data collection and analysis. For example, a 2,000 mile demonstration would require $200-250k of additional funding for data collection and analysis.