Evaluation of the Use of Ribbed Tires for the Characterization of Skid Resistance Using Friction Models

Abstract This paper presents an evaluation of the use of ribbed tires for the characterization of skid resistance using friction models. The data used in this investigation were collected at the Surface Properties Rodeo, which was conducted on the Virginia Smart Road by members of the Virginia Consortium for Pavement Surface Properties. The paper compares measurements obtained using locked wheel testers with ribbed and smooth tires on 24 pavement sections covering a wide range of textures. Results confirmed that the International Friction Index (IFI) model is not appropriate for skid data obtained using a locked wheel tester with ribbed tires, especially when the pavement surface presents low levels of macrotexture. It was found that the friction measurements obtained when using a locked wheel tester with ribbed and smooth tires resulted in different friction–speed curves for the same pavement surface, contrary to the stated ASTM assumption that the friction–speed curve depends only on the characteristics (macrotexture) of the pavement surface. Skid measurements obtained at different speeds using ribbed tires were insensitive to pavement macrotexture. This supports the benefits of using smooth tires, which are sensitive to the drainage capacity of pavement surfaces. Finally, it is recommended that the use of the IFI model on skid data obtained using testers with ribbed tires be reassessed.