Available pavement friction is governed by the surface’s microtexture and macrotexture. When friction is insufficient, it indicates a deficiency in one or both. Addressing this deficiency requires identifying the root cause and selecting an effective treatment based on surface material, traffic needs, and operational constraints.

Friction demand varies by location and depends on vehicle speed, traffic volume, geometrics, and facility type. If friction supply falls below friction demand, roadway safety is compromised, requiring timely mitigation strategies. While several studies have linked pavement friction to traffic safety, existing findings are often site-specific and do not provide a decision framework for selecting optimal treatments.

The objective of this research is to develop decision support tools and processes to identify the cause(s) of friction deficiency and determine the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment strategy for restoring sufficient friction, considering location-specific constraints and performance needs.

Potential research tasks include:

·        Define the relationship between friction demand and supply across varying facility types and conditions.

·        Identify common root causes of friction deficiencies and classify treatment strategies accordingly.

·        Develop decision support tools that consider surface material, friction demand, root cause(s), and treatment constraints.

·        Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and longevity of available friction treatment options.

·        Develop guidance for agencies to implement optimized friction treatment strategies.