Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Civil/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering
Jamelle L. Jaudon - Savannah State University
Co-Author(s): Jakari Dean, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA
Roads are a major part of human life, as they serve an important part in our transportation systems. As roadway pavements age and endure weather and traffic loads, pavement distresses such as cracking, rutting, potholes, and polishing begin to occur. Over time, distresses can accumulate and allow moisture to penetrate below the surface, increasing the distress severity. These distresses can affect properties essential to safe vehicular travel; one of which properties is known as pavement friction. It is not known to the public the pavement friction characteristics of roadways in the Savannah/Chatham County, GA area. Therefore, this study is to better understand the current pavement friction characteristics of various roadways in the Savannah/Chatham County, GA area using the ASTM E303 – 93 Standard Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the British Pendulum Tester field testing procedure to determine the skid resistance (friction number) of the test locations and to analyze the data to determine possible correlations between factors such as pavement type (asphalt or concrete), age, location, traffic volume (intensity), and localized areas of rehabilitation. After obtaining British Pendulum Numbers (BPN) from field tests, the values were converted into Skid Numbers (SN). The lowest SN was 42.7196, recorded at Goebel St. (smooth patch in the right wheel path), and the highest SN was 67.8, recorded on Randolph Street. With no public records provided by GDOT regarding SN requirements, our data was compared to the friction characteristics requirements of other states. Based on test data, compared to the available/published DOT skid friction requirements, it has been determined that the pavement in the Savannah/ Chatham area are likely to be sufficient. Future studies include, but are not limited to concrete testing and unique roadway surfaces.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF; PSLSAMP; Savannah State University.
Faculty Advisor: Bryan Knakiewicz, Knakiewiczb@savannahstate.edu
Role: Performed literature research as well as field/lab research.