Influence of freeze–thaw on the polishing resistance of coarse aggregates on road surface

• We combined the freeze–thaw effect with the mechanical loading effect in process of polishing test.
• The change of the texture was taken as a link between the polishing effect and the skid resistance development course.
• The freeze–thaw susceptibility by the difference of the skid resistance development before and after the freeze–thaw.
• We related the skid resistance behavior to the mineralogical composition and structure of the specific aggregate type.

The aggregates used for surface layers are of central importance for the skid resistance of a road as they are subjected to a combined load due to traffic and weather conditions. In this paper, different aggregates are selected and two plate specimens are produced using each aggregate. One of the test plates is subjected to solely polishing load and the other one was treated with a combined load of polishing and freeze–thaw cycles. By comparing the texture changes and the skid resistance development, a statement is derived on the impact of a freeze–thaw effect for the short-term and long-term development of skid resistance.