Definition and validation of a new methodological approach for friction evaluations of dropped-on products for road markings

Road safety is well known to rely on a combination of the components man, vehicle and environment. The latter plays an important role through the geometric design of the infrastructure, but the road markings and signs are also highly strategic in reducing accidents, especially in the more unfavourable driving conditions, i.e. nighttime or when it is raining or foggy. As part of a study on the contribution to road safety of high-visibility road markings with dropped-on materials, a new test protocol has been defined in order to verify the surface friction requirements, at the same time studying which parameter might be most effective and representative of the in situ performances of the products, depending on the maintenance state of the pavement. This has led to the identification of more effective criteria of judgement than those reported in the current European standards (EN 1436:2008).