Tentative Pavement and Geometric Design Criteria for Minimizing Hydroplaning

1975Balmer, Glenn G.PDFTech ReportFHWA-RD-75-011DOT-FH-11-8269HydroplaningRolling contactGeometric designUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Offices of Research and DevelopmentGallaway, Bob M.Ivey, DonRoss, Hayes E.Ledbetter, William B.Woods, D. L.Schiller, RogerUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Offices of Research and DevelopmentTexas Transportation InstituteBalmer, Glenn G.Federal Highway AdministrationA comprehensive literature review, multi-state questionnaires, mathematical modeling, computer simulations, field testing and data correlations were used to establish tentative criteria relating to geometric and pavement surface texture and cross slope to minimize highway hydroplaning. More specifically the authors have covered in detail the empirical indications of hydroplaning as determined from interpretation of hard data developed with a spin down trailer in a hydroplaning trough, skid number trailers including drag link and torque and extensive tire and pavement testing under simulated rain. Precise measurements of surface drainage were examined and equations relating pavement texture and cross slope and rainfall density were developed. Random and patterned textures covering the complete range of real world pavements were included. Vehicle control as related to variation in cross slope was simulated with the HVOSM. Travel with constant velocity along a tangent path and a lane change maneuver at 60 mph (97 km/h) involving the traversal of a crown were tested for driver demand and vehicle control. A determination of deficiencies in existing surface drainage design methodology for sag vertical curves was conducted by state surveys and representative sites were selected for further study. A summary of tentative criteria to reduce hydroplaning is presented along with recommendations for construction of flexible and rigid pavements to minimize hydroplaning. Recommendations are presented for Phase II of this study wherein it is expected that the tentative criteria established in Phase I will be further confirmed and the more critical gaps in the current information will be filled.80