Friction indicators for improving winter maintenance operations

This paper presents the results of a study conducted for the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 6-14 to evaluate the feasibility of using friction indicators as tools for improving winter maintenance operations and mobility. As part of the project, information was collected and reviewed regarding the use of friction indicators for winter maintenance operations decision-making, operations performance evaluation, and motorist information. In addition, short-term and long-term implementation scenarios were developed in which friction measurements could be used to improve winter maintenance safety, operation, and mobility. Moreover, questionnaires were given to field practitioners and other knowledgeable sources, and responses indicated that using friction measurements would improve winter maintenance operations. The study also found that analyzing information collected from low-cost and reliable friction measuring devices and other data, such as pavement temperature, traffic, and weather conditions, could be useful for allocating snow-fighting resources in real-time. The information gathered suggested that a traction-control system is the most promising technology for practically and safely measuring friction in winter conditions, followed closely by deceleration and slip devices. Forecasting surface friction based on models that relate data such as temperature and traffic was also identified as a promising technique for improving winter maintenance operations, but further research is needed in this area.