Surface texture and friction characteristics of diamond-ground concrete and asphalt pavements

Recently, diamond grinding has gained increasing attention as pavement preservation treatment to restore desired surface characteristics, particularly friction. Compared to other pavement preservation treatments such as surface overlays and high friction surface treatments, diamond grinding may cost less, save construction time, or require minimum maintenance. Diamond grinding produces longitudinal, continuous, and line-type texture that contains corrugations with evenly spaced ridges. The improved surface texture will immediately enhance pavement surface friction and reduce the possibility of hydroplaning in rainy weather. However, little information has been documented on the texture characteristics and long-term friction performance of diamond-ground pavements. A field evaluation was conducted to examine the surface texture and friction characteristics in diamond-ground concrete and asphalt pavements by the authors. Five pavement test sections, including two diamond-ground concrete pavements, one diamond-ground concrete bridge deck, one diamond-ground asphalt pavement, and one transversely tined concrete pavement, were selected for evaluation. Laser scanner testing was performed to capture both macro and microtexture profiles. Locked wheel testing was performed to measure the friction numbers. The test results were examined and compared so as to evaluate two performances, after construction and long-term friction performance of diamond-ground pavements. It was found that longitudinal diamond grinding can provide durable, satisfactory surface friction performance for both concrete and asphalt pavements.