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Two re-texturing machines on a runway

Re-texturing

Retexturing is described in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) as the mechanical reworking of an existing surface to improve its frictional characteristics and hence its skid resistance.

Apart from improving road safety and addressing the issues that the government's casualty reduction targets introduce, the re-use of existing road surfacing materials will considerably reduce the attendant energy consumption in quarrying, processing, laying new road surfacing materials and waste removal. By extending the life of existing surfaces and by making best use of what you've got, the conservation of substantial quantities of irreplaceable high quality aggregate is ensured. Retexturing also results in a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Even several repeat treatments would not generate the same carbon footprint as one layer of hot mix asphalt.

When to Re-texture

  • Before surface skidding levels fall below the nationally accepted intervention level for the class of road in question.

Cost effectiveness

  • Low cost/life index. If roads are treated at the right time, Retexturing is a very cost effective treatment.
  • Non-trafficked areas and surface markings are avoided, further minimising works costs.

Which roads can be Retextured?

  • All classes of road can be treated.

Some important considerations

  • Restores the necessary level of skid resistance to the road surface with the resultant benefits of reduction in skid related traffic accidents.
  • Roads can be treated even in wet conditions.
  • Timely intervention will enable road surfaces to last longer thereby increasing the time to when structural maintenance is required.
  • Maximises the cost effectiveness of limited highway maintenance funds.
  • Rapid treatment thereby minimising disruption to the road user, local businesses and emergency services.
  • Only treats the surface aggregate.
  • A consistent skid resistant finish is achieved.
  • The requirements of the DMRB, in particular HD28 and the Code of Practice for Highway Maintenance Management, Well Maintained Highways, are addressed and met.
  • National guidance on Retexturing is contained within The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Vol. 7 Pavement Design & Maintenance, Section 5, Surfacing & Surfacing Materials
    • Part 2: HD 37/99, Chapter 11, Retexturing (Bituminous).
    • Part 3: HD 38/97, Chapter 4 Retexturing (Concrete).
  • The work should be carried out by an experienced contractor who can demonstrate that he has a record of completing quality work.
  • There are various different types of retexturing processes but they are not the same so it is important to select the correct technique for the job in hand.
  • The suitability and effectiveness of a particular retexturing process depends largely on the type and condition of the existing road surface.
  • The durability of the treatment is also a function of aggregate quality and again the condition of the existing surface.
  • Treatments on sound surfaces can ;
    • Increase both skidding resistance and texture depth.
    • Increase skidding resistance but reduce texture depth.
    • Increase texture depth with little effect on skidding resistance.

Environmental considerations

  • Effectively 100% in-situ recycling, environmentally friendly.
  • Uses no additional materials - no aggregates or binders are used.
  • Accident levels will be reduced by restoring adequate skid resistance.
  • The rapid speed of the process means that disruption to road uses, local businesses and emergency services is minimised.
  • Compared to re-laying hotmix asphalt, retexturing provides a very low carbon footprint solution.
  • Generates minimal if any waste.

Summary

  • Retexturing is an established, proven process. It is an extremely cost-effective environmentally friendly surface maintenance treatment when properly designed, specified and executed.