Performance of ralumac micro surfacing at blackspot eastbound, LATAR highway

Abstract

Pavement condition is an important factor in reducing traffic accidents especially in tyre pavement friction. Macrotexture, microtexture and surface roughness are the important parameters in determining an acceptable and safe pavement condition. Poor surface macrotexture and microtexture could lead to hydroplaning and inconsistency tyre pavement contact and also a reduction of tyre gripping on the pavement which eventually causes traffic accidents. Acceptable friction between the tire and pavement should be established in order to resist skid and avoid the traffic accident. Nevertheless, the potential in a reduction of hydroplaning phenomenon can be achieved with an effective mitigation method. Based on record of traffic accidents for the year 2011 to 2013 from the Traffic Safety Department LATAR, KM23.7 Eastbound was identified as a blackspot. Preliminary site investigation found road curvature and hydroplaning phenomenon is the main contributor to the traffic skidding. This paper evaluates the performance of Ralumac Micro surfacing as mitigation method to curb traffic accidents at blackspot KM23.7 Eastbound, LATAR highway. The evaluation comprises of roughness, rutting, and skid resistance. Road Scanner (RS) were used to survey the roughness and rutting while skid resistance was performed using the Grip Tester (GT) along the left wheel path of the road. The result revealed that Ralumac Micro surfacing system has significant improvement on pavement condition thus very effective for reducing traffic accidents due to skidding.