Performance Characteristics of Open-graded Friction Courses

Book excerpt: This synthesis will be of interest to construction, maintenance, pavement design, and materials engineers, pavement contractors, and others interested in the use of open-graded friction courses (OGFC) as an asphalt concrete pavement wearing surface. Information is provided on performance benefits and limitations of OGFC, material and mixture properties, and current construction practices in use in the United States and Europe. Advances in mixture design and construction techniques have overcome several of the performance limitations identified in early applications of OGFC, as well as enhanced the performance benefits associated with OGFC use. This report of the Transportation Research Board describes the current state of the practice with respect to the use of OGFC. Experience with the design, construction, and performance of OGFC is summarized, based on a review of the literature, documentation of experience from applications in the U.S. and Europe, and site visits to several states.