Groove Depth Requirements for Tine-Textured Rigid Pavement 5: Durability of Tine Texturing on PCC Pavements: Fid-Bau Portal

Groove Depth Requirements for Tine-Textured Rigid Pavement 5: Durability of Tine Texturing on PCC Pavements

J. E. Grady / W. P. Chamberlin

This report discusses the depth required for grooves on new tine-textured concrete pavements in order to assure an adequate skid resistance over their entire design life. It is based on measures of texture depth and skid resistance, with both ribbed and smooth tires, made on 0- to 5-year-old New York pavements. Initial groove depth needs of 3/16-in. minimum were calculated from two values estimated from the study data: (1) the minimum depth (0.050 in.) to assure adequate skid resistance with a minimally legal treaded tire, and (2) the mean groove wear rate (0.013 in./million vehicle passes). Groove depth measurements on new concrete pavements and bridge decks indicated 21-and 14 percent compliance, respectively, with the proposed new standard of 3/16-in. minimum, and 60-and 44 percent compliance with the current standard of 2/16-in. minimum. Prospects for improving compliance rate were judged to be most promising in two areas -- increasing the awareness and motivation of construction personnel, and improving the design of tining rakes over those currently in use. While the findings of this study are specific to the standards and conditions in New York, the methodology should be of general interest.