A laboratory compaction approach to characterize asphalt pavement surface friction performance

• Laboratory roller compaction closely simulates the field construction processes.
• Laboratory slabs may predict the pavement surface frictional properties.
• The compaction mode influences friction performance both in lab and the field.
• Roller compaction approach may be integrated to existing mix design practices.
• The current approach may optimize both mix structural and functional requirements.

The main objective of the current study is to investigate whether surfaces produced by a standardized roller compaction method, using several compaction modes, could be used to simulate the frictional properties of the as-constructed pavement surfaces of a new, full-scale hot mix asphalt (HMA) road test section. Laboratory and field friction measurements were compared. The frictional characteristics of asphalt mixtures with different aggregate sizes, mix gradations and binder contents were investigated. Results indicated that the laboratory roller compaction method closely simulates, from a frictional point of view, the field construction processes. Thus, this methodology may be integrated into the existing mix design practices to assess asphalt mix frictional characteristics and to optimize the mix design accounting for both structural and functional requirements.