Investigative Study of The Italgrips System

A research study was conducted by WisDOT to evaluate the performance of the ItalgripTM System, a pavement surface treatment designed to improve the frictional characteristics of a pavement. In 1999, ItalgripTM was installed at five locations in two different counties (La Crosse and Waukesha) in Wisconsin. The overall performance of the ItalgripTM System was evaluated based on five main parameters: freeze-thaw durability, frictional charcteristics, accident statistics, noise characteristics, and visual inspections (in-situ performance). The results of the research revealed that the ItalgripTM System showed good durability and held up well to the freeze-thaw testing. The friction number of the pavement surfaces improved considerably directly after placement of ItalgripTM. After five years in service, the friction numbers decreased but were still considerably higher than before the ItalgripTM was placed. The ItalgripTM System also significantly reduced the number of accidents/incidents at all of the sites. Noise testing revealed that the ItalgripTM System reduced noise levels an additional one-decibel when compared to the ground concrete pavement. Annual visual inspections showed that there was progressive aggregate surface loss at the sites due to traffic and snowplow blades. The cost of the product was within the price range of comparable products in the market. Based on the results of the study, the ItalgripTM System is recommended to be considered for short sections of roadways with high accident rates where pavement characteristics impacting friction, especially under wet or icy conditions, may be a factor