Adhera Research: A new approach for pavement performance evaluation

Adhera Research is a methodology using a new device, which measures a longitudinal friction coefficient (LFC or μ) with a slip ratio ranging from 0% to 100% (blocked wheel). The speed can vary from 20 to 130 km/h and the water thickness in front of the test wheel from 0.5 to 3 mm. For each test, the whole friction slip curve is measured. Both standardized test tyres as smooth PIARC tyres and commercial tyres can be tested. Then, the experimental data are fitted with a Pacejka model whose parameters are automatically determined. The authors investigated different road pavement surfaces (Asphalt Concrete, porous Asphalt Concrete, …) in various conditions (speed, tyres). In each test, μpeak value and μblocked value were evaluated and the opportunity of making a new classification of pavement skid resistance performances considering this μpeak.