Fundamentals Of High Friction Surface Treatment

By Virginia Walker


Friction can cause a lot of damage to surfaces. This has often necessitated development of methods to combat friction so that surfaces can last longer while remaining aesthetically beautiful. To that end, high friction surface treatment (HFST) was invented. This is a technique that applies a slim layer of well-engineered, long-lasting, high friction aggregates as topping on surfaces. These topping protects the surface it is applied over from wear and polishing.

The engineering topping adheres very strongly to the surface it is applied to as a result of good engineering. This results into a rough, hard, and long lasting surface, which can effectively withstand abrasion from applications such as snowplowing and heavy braking. High abrasion surface treatment as a process is usually done on paved surfaces to makes driving safer by introducing certain characteristics.

When HFST is applied on tarmac, vehicles gain the friction they need to perform vital maneuvers such as braking and cornering. Safe driving can only be achieved, if the necessary pavement friction levels are maintained. Inadequate abrasive force will cause the car to skid in case it speeds, turns abruptly, or brakes excessively. Abrasive force of the tarmac is naturally lost or reduced after a long period of using the pavement.

The ability of HFST technology in addressing site-specific issues on roads is very unique. It should be installed on roads at point where vehicles start braking. The point where installation should start can be determined by observing brake lights on horizontal curves. The intention here is to ensure that drivers slow down when entering into curves. In most states, the HFST treatment is ended at the point of tangent on the road.

HFST treatments offer drivers going around curves a lot of advantages. Over-speeding drivers have the chance to effectively brake down on curves without crashing. Research indicates that most crashes that occur result from drivers speeding and being unable to brake down effectively. Even under wet conditions, HFST remains polish-resistant. As such, HFST is one of the most important safety measures that governments can ever install on the roads.

HFST can also be applied in double layers. Bridge deck applications are the ones double layers are most suitable on. Double layers are applied to increase life expectancy and prevent penetration of water. There is still ongoing testing and experimentation with double layers. That is partly why large scale adoptions have not occurred yet.

There are many factors that determine how long HFST can remain in good condition or rather, its life expectancy. Some of these factors are volume, type, and nature of traffic, geometry of roadway, and types of roadway. It is hard to generalize. However, when the installation is done correctly, the application is expected to last between 7 and 12 years.

In the US, bridge deck applications have been reported to last for more than 15 years. Different locations and states give different statistics. Either way, it is worth installing HFST because it has more benefits than the amount it costs to install and maintain it.




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