Skid Resistance and Pavement Marking Materials

In the roadmarking industry, the introduction of performance based contracts moved the focus from inputs to outcomes, with an emphasis on meeting the delineation needs of the driver, while at the same time using marking systems that did not create a hazard. Among the performance criteria is a requirement for markings to meet minimum skid resistance levels. This paper looks at the performance criteria and contrasts the requirements in New Zealand with those in Australia and those called up in European Standards. We look at the way contractors are measuring and reporting against the standards set out in New Zealand RCA contracts. Ongoing materials testing has identified skid resistance profiles for the variety of marking systems that are used in the pavement marking industry. The road surface texture - whether smooth or coarse textured - has a significant impact on skid resistance for thin film marking, however with those marking systems with greater film builds this is of less significance. We look at typical skid resistance performance of the range of marking systems, highlight risk areas, and talk about ways that skid resistance can be improved. The Transit NZ pavement marking P/20 performance based specification is currently being reviewed. The paper proposes revised test requirements based on the experience of the past eight years.