Development of an approach to determination of coupling qualities of road covering using weather-climate factor

Shevtsova, Anastasia; Novikov, Alexander · 2021 · Crossref

DOI: 10.5937/jaes0-26642

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Summary

This paper addresses the challenge of accurately determining the coefficient of friction (grip) of road surfaces, a critical parameter for traffic safety, accident investigation, and traffic management. While automated measurement methods using specialized equipment are accurate, they are expensive and time-consuming, making them impractical for widespread use, particularly in smaller cities. The authors propose a cost-effective, calculated approach that estimates the coefficient of friction based on weather and climate factors, specifically ambient air temperature and precipitation conditions, thereby eliminating the need for expensive on-site measurement devices. The methodology involves a mathematical analysis to establish the relationship between ambient air temperature and asphalt concrete pavement temperature, which directly influences friction. The authors reviewed existing literature and adapted the "Superpave" method to Russian climatic conditions. They derived formulas to calculate the minimum and maximum pavement temperatures based on the minimum air temperature of the coldest five-day period and the absolute maximum air temperature, respectively. For the Belgorod region, specific linear equations were developed to estimate pavement temperature from ambient air temperature for both sub-zero and above-zero ranges. The study also incorporated data on how precipitation affects friction, noting that wet surfaces require adjusted calculations compared to dry or icy conditions. Experimental validation was conducted in the Belgorod region using the EGMD-2 automated laboratory installation to measure actual friction coefficients. The authors compared these empirical results with values predicted by their mathematical model. For dry asphalt concrete, the calculated dependence closely matched the experimental data, with deviations ranging from 2% to 5%, confirming the feasibility of the approach. The analysis identified distinct temperature ranges where friction coefficients change significantly, particularly noting a sharp decrease in friction as temperatures drop below +5°C and reach 0°C. For wet surfaces, the study established a separate dependence, showing that friction values vary differently across temperature ranges compared to dry conditions, with the lowest friction observed around 0°C to 6°C. The significance of this work lies in providing a practical, low-cost method for estimating road grip qualities using readily available meteorological data. This approach facilitates the development of adaptive traffic control algorithms and improves the accuracy of traffic accident reconstructions without relying on expensive specialized equipment. The authors conclude that the proposed mathematical model is effective for the Belgorod region and suggest that similar adaptations can be applied to other regions of the Russian Federation, accounting for their specific climatic zones. This contributes to enhanced road safety management by enabling more frequent and accessible monitoring of road surface conditions.

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• road surface friction