Improving Maintenance of Open-Graded Friction Course in Louisiana [Summary]

Details

• Creators:
  Mayeux, Corey R
• Corporate Creators:
  Louisiana Transportation Research Center
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Delamination Drainage Durability Friction Course Highway Safety Maintenance Open Graded Aggregates Pavements Stripping (Pavements)
• Publication/ Report Number:
  LTRC Report 709, SIO No. DOTLT1000385 LTRC Project No. 21-5B
• Resource Type:
  Brief
• Geographical Coverage:
  Louisiana ; United States
• Edition:
  Technical Summary
• Contracting Officer:
  Cooper, Samuel B III
• Corporate Publisher:
  Louisiana Transportation Research Center
• Abstract:
  Open-Graded Friction Course (OGFC) is a specialized asphalt concrete mixture used for thin-wearing courses, offering significant safety, economic, and environmental benefits. The porous structure of OGFC enhances drainage, reduces hydroplaning, and improves road visibility, particularly during wet weather conditions. Despite its potential advantages, OGFC has faced challenges in the past, including performance issues and limited maintenance practices. Recent research has focused on understanding and addressing these limitations. This study aimed to review current practices for constructing and maintaining OGFC pavements. Key findings include the widespread use of PG 76-22 binder and additives such as styrene-butadiene (SB), styrene-butadiene styrene (SBS), and ground tire rubber (GTR) in OGFC. Granite is the most widely used aggregate in OGFC, while various tests are conducted to ensure the suitability of different aggregates for OGFC applications. Maintenance of OGFC pavements is challenging due to their porous nature, which can lead to raveling, delamination, clogging, and debonding. Many agencies adopt a “do nothing” approach, as distresses in OGFC are often localized and do not pose a significant safety risk. However, preventive maintenance, such as cleaning the voids to maintain permeability, is critical for ensuring the long-term performance of OGFC pavements. Overall, this research highlights the need for continued efforts to improve OGFC maintenance practices and ensure its long-term viability. By addressing challenges and implementing effective maintenance strategies, OGFC can continue to provide valuable benefits for roadways, enhancing safety, reducing costs, and promoting environmental sustainability.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  SPR: TT-Fed/TT-Reg - 6
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:8d6388fa3680e2a0855c565a61b42b2024cb150102ee79e56cbf9222ddebf5bfbceba2689feaf27a9c1043596ab847037738deb6bef409205cbd31946a886638
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/83883/dot_83883_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 155.56 KB ]