Anti-skid surfaces play a fundamental part in road safety, especially around the Winter and wet seasons. What we will look to cover in this article are some popular anti-skid surfacing questions so you can get clued up on this vital road safety surfacing – including
- How does anti-skid surfacing work.
- The benefits of anti-skid surfacing.
- Where would you find anti-skid to be used.
- How to effectively apply anti-skid to the road surface.
- How can Meon help with your anti-skid project.
Anti-skid surfaces are usally a hot mixture ofbauxite and thermoplastic applied with a drawbox leaving a ‘coarse’ texture.
On roads, anti-skid surfacing is often used in areas where skidding or slipping is expected to happen, such as on sharp bends or slip roads, near traffic lights, junctions, and bike lanes. It halves the stopping distance on roads in harsher weather conditions. However, the extreme weather can also take a toll on the anti-skid surfacing, causing it to lose effectiveness.
How does anti-skid surfacing work?
The aggregate used for Anti-skid surfacing is calcined bauxite, which is resilient to polishing, and has remarkable anti-abrasive properties. When the product is laid, the surface has many contact points which are formed by using a binder with the calcined bauxite. This results in a surface that has texture and a high degree of friction with improved grip. Anti-skid surfacing also tends to last a long time without getting worn down by frequent road use.
The benefits of anti-skid surfacing
- The application is relatively quick depending on the product being used which means there is minimal disruption to traffic during the laying process.
- You will find that safety is enhanced, grip is improved and stopping distances are reduced, which helps to reduce the probability of collisions and other accidents on these areas.
- When applying the new surface, you will find it is resistant to polishing and abrasion, it lasts for a long time without needing to be replaced – much longer than standard asphalt.
- It can be applied to any type of road, ranging from cycle paths to motorways, and winding bends, but just so long as the surface is in a decent condition to begin with.
Anti-skid is most fundamental in winter, as rainy and windy weather can make the roads surface much more susceptible to slipping or skidding. In fact, rain can double your stopping distance on roads, and snow increases it by ten times. However, the harsh weathers can also take a toll on the anti-skid surfacing, causing it to lose effectiveness.
Where would you find Anti-Skid surfacing being used?
Due to its ability to increase highway friction and safety, anti-skid surfacing is used for areas where the risk of road accidents and collisions is greater. These include:
- Pedestrian crossing approaches
- Bus lanes
- Cycle lanes
- Sharp bends
- Junctions
How to effectively reinstate anti-skid to the road surface
In order to increase efficiency and minimise downtime, it is important that a reinstatement is as quick and effective as possible, so the road is kept safe. Reinstatements can require attending the site twice – firstly to repair the asphalt substrate, then again to apply the anti-skid. This not only reduces efficiency on the roads due to maximised downtime, but it is not a cost-effective solution.
Meon have 3 different forms of anti-skid systems, here are some details:
Pros – Is a quick, easy, simple product to use and will go onto fresh even warm, unprimed ashalt. It is cost-effective, can be used on ironwork, and is flexible to be shaped however you want it. You will get a quick return to service with this product and have minimum waste.
Cons – This is not good for larger projects, as it proves very laborious getting the preformed sheets to the correct molten consistency in order to receive the aggregate. It is also a hot works application.
Pros – It has excellent adhesion and aggregate retention. No hot work is needed when applying the product. It is also cost-effective and perfect for large scale projects with a straightforward application process.
Cons – It is moisture sensitive when applying the product. You may find you will get wastage when using the product. Also, there can extended cure times [although accelerator can be used]. When applying onto the new asphalt, a primer will be needed.
Pros – This product is fast-curing. Can be applied to fresh asphalt without primer
Cons – May prove to be fast curing, particularly in the summer months, or if the fresh tarmac is still warm. It is also the most costly.
If you want to know more about how we can help with any anti-skid projects, big or small, then get in touch with one of our specialists today to discuss what we can offer. Contact us on 02392 200 606 or email us at mail@meonuk.com, and one of the team will be in touch.
