Analysis of macrotexture and skid resistance in flexible pavements using standardised methods

Luis Alfonso Luis Alfonso; Lucy Elizabeth Solórzano-Villegas; Jaime Adrián Peralta-Delgado; Freddy Humberto Guillen-Morales

Authors

Moreno-Ponce Luis Alfonso Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí. Jipijapa, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9026-1009
Solórzano-Villegas Lucy Elizabeth Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí. Jipijapa, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9903-5304
Peralta-Delgado Jaime Adrián Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí. Jipijapa, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3830-9719
Guillén-Morales Freddy Humberto Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí. Jipijapa, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6240-2377

Keywords:

Macrotexture; Skid resistance; Flexible pavements; ASTM E965; ASTM E303

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/ig.v8i16.0302

Abstract

The study assessed the relationship between pavement macrotexture and wet-condition friction on a flexible section of El Venado Road (El Carmen, Manabí, Ecuador). The objective was to establish a quantitative correlation between Mean Texture Depth (MTD) and the British Pendulum Number (BPN). Standardised methods were applied: ASTM E965 (sand patch) for MTD and ASTM E303 (British Pendulum Tester) for BPN. Five 50 m sections were defined with five points per section (n = 25), with environmental control and instrument calibration. Statistical analysis (Pearson and OLS) indicated a positive, significant association (r = 0.91; R² = 0.83) and a linear model BPN = 28.54 + 51.04·MTD. A 0.1 mm increase in MTD raised BPN by approximately 5.1 units. Residuals exhibited normality and homoscedasticity, confirming model validity. It was concluded that macrotexture acted as a robust predictor of friction on flexible pavements and provides an operational tool to prioritise maintenance and road safety audits, with recalibration advised for different aggregate gradations, climates, and traffic levels.

Keywords: Macrotexture; Skid resistance; Flexible pavements; ASTM E965; ASTM E303.

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