Friction can cause a lot of damage to surfaces. This has often necessitated development of methods to combat friction so that surfaces can last longer while remaining aesthetically beautiful. To that end, high friction surface treatment (HFST) was invented. This is a technique that applies a slim layer of well-engineered, long-lasting, high friction aggregates as topping on surfaces. These topping protects the surface it is applied over from wear and polishing.
The engineering of the topping layer is done in a way that it forms a very strong bond with the surface/substrate. The result is a rough, hard, durable surface that can withstand daily abrasion such as snowplowing and heavy breaking. This process is often applied on roads to achieve certain characteristics that make them safer to drive on.
Application of HFST on roads provides tarmac with the friction that vehicles need in critical maneuvers such as cornering and braking. It is essential for appropriate levels of abrasive force on the pavement to be maintained to achieve safe driving. When the abrasive force is not adequate, vehicles are prone to skidding when the turn abruptly, brake excessively, or move at great speeds. Prolonged use of road naturally leads to loss of abrasive force.
The ability of HFST technology in addressing site-specific issues on roads is very unique. It should be installed on roads at point where vehicles start braking. The point where installation should start can be determined by observing brake lights on horizontal curves. The intention here is to ensure that drivers slow down when entering into curves. In most states, the HFST treatment is ended at the point of tangent on the road.
HFST treatments offer drivers going around curves a lot of advantages. Over-speeding drivers have the chance to effectively brake down on curves without crashing. Research indicates that most crashes that occur result from drivers speeding and being unable to brake down effectively. Even under wet conditions, HFST remains polish-resistant. As such, HFST is one of the most important safety measures that governments can ever install on the roads.
HFST can also be applied in double layers. Bridge deck applications are the ones double layers are most suitable on. Double layers are applied to increase life expectancy and prevent penetration of water. There is still ongoing testing and experimentation with double layers. That is partly why large scale adoptions have not occurred yet.
There are many factors that determine how long HFST can remain in good condition or rather, its life expectancy. Some of these factors are volume, type, and nature of traffic, geometry of roadway, and types of roadway. It is hard to generalize. However, when the installation is done correctly, the application is expected to last between 7 and 12 years.
In the US, a service life of more than 15 years in bridge deck applications has been reported. Statistics vary from one state and location to another. Either way, considering the cost of installing HFST and the benefits accruing from it, it is best to have it installed.
The engineering of the topping layer is done in a way that it forms a very strong bond with the surface/substrate. The result is a rough, hard, durable surface that can withstand daily abrasion such as snowplowing and heavy breaking. This process is often applied on roads to achieve certain characteristics that make them safer to drive on.
Application of HFST on roads provides tarmac with the friction that vehicles need in critical maneuvers such as cornering and braking. It is essential for appropriate levels of abrasive force on the pavement to be maintained to achieve safe driving. When the abrasive force is not adequate, vehicles are prone to skidding when the turn abruptly, brake excessively, or move at great speeds. Prolonged use of road naturally leads to loss of abrasive force.
The ability of HFST technology in addressing site-specific issues on roads is very unique. It should be installed on roads at point where vehicles start braking. The point where installation should start can be determined by observing brake lights on horizontal curves. The intention here is to ensure that drivers slow down when entering into curves. In most states, the HFST treatment is ended at the point of tangent on the road.
HFST treatments offer drivers going around curves a lot of advantages. Over-speeding drivers have the chance to effectively brake down on curves without crashing. Research indicates that most crashes that occur result from drivers speeding and being unable to brake down effectively. Even under wet conditions, HFST remains polish-resistant. As such, HFST is one of the most important safety measures that governments can ever install on the roads.
HFST can also be applied in double layers. Bridge deck applications are the ones double layers are most suitable on. Double layers are applied to increase life expectancy and prevent penetration of water. There is still ongoing testing and experimentation with double layers. That is partly why large scale adoptions have not occurred yet.
There are many factors that determine how long HFST can remain in good condition or rather, its life expectancy. Some of these factors are volume, type, and nature of traffic, geometry of roadway, and types of roadway. It is hard to generalize. However, when the installation is done correctly, the application is expected to last between 7 and 12 years.
In the US, a service life of more than 15 years in bridge deck applications has been reported. Statistics vary from one state and location to another. Either way, considering the cost of installing HFST and the benefits accruing from it, it is best to have it installed.
About the Author:
Discover the top advantages of high friction surface treatment by referring to the main page. Take a quick tour of this website now at http://pavementsurfacecoatings.com.
