Performance and durability investigation of an innovative high friction surface prepared with the bauxite chamotte aggregates

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-15-2026

Department

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Abstract

High-friction surfaces (HFS) are widely used to improve pavement safety, but their long-term durability is often limited by aggregate stripping and binder degradation under traffic loading and environmental exposure. To address this issue, an innovative HFS prepared with 88# bauxite chamotte aggregates and an epoxy-resin-based binder was developed and evaluated. A series of tests, including low-temperature bending, high-temperature rutting, pull-off bonding, accelerated polishing under loading, ultraviolet aging, and SEM observation, was conducted to investigate its mechanical performance, interfacial stability, anti-spalling behavior, and microstructural deterioration. The results indicate that epoxy resin dosage governs the comprehensive performance of the HFS by a clear multi-objective trade-off. The dosage of 1.4 kg/m² is efficient when high-temperature stability is prioritized, as 1.6 kg/m² provides a better overall balance between bonding reliability and anti-spalling durability. In addition, the fine-grade 0∼2 mm bauxite chamotte aggregate exhibited superior stripping resistance because its stronger encapsulation helped maintain a more stable surface structure. Ultraviolet aging caused resin yellowing, microcrack development, and the reduction in interfacial bonding strength, but the pull-off strength remained above 1.5 MPa after the equivalent of two years of exposure, indicating acceptable durability. These findings demonstrate that coordinated optimization of binder dosage and aggregate gradation is essential for achieving durable HFS systems with stable long-term functional performance.

Publication Title

Surfaces and Interfaces

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