Skid resistance and fractal structure of pavement surface

Pavement skid resistance has long been recognized as the most important parameter to reduce traffic accidents. The factors affecting skid resistance are numerous and very complicated. It is a difficult task to estimate the extent and direction of their overall contribution. This paper deals with the road surface contribution to tire-pavement skid resistance. Pavement surface is expressed through micro/macrotexture depth and density. An attempt is made to approximate this pavement surface texture with fractals, in order to take into account its accurate geometry. A qualitative relationship between pavement surface texture, expressed through fractal concepts, and skid resistance is recognized. This attempt yields encouraging results, although it is apparent that further research is required.