Skid Resistance of the Sidewalks in Winter
PURPOSES: This study aimed to measure the skid resistance of the sidewalk in order to find out the relationship between different surface types and skid resistance. By using British Pendulum Tester, skid resistance of sidewalk was measured in a wet after snow-melt, sludgy, and snowy conditions.
METHODS : The skid resistance was measured on surfaces including Concrete Interlocking Block Paving, Colour Asphalt Pavement, Granite Block Paving, Manhole, and Tactile Paving for Visually Impaired. Five trials at each measurement were made, and the average and standard deviation were derived.
RESULTS: The skid resistance measured in wet after snow-melt, sludgy, and snowy conditions for the various surface types are summarized and compared. Reduction rates of skid resistance of sludgy and snowy against wet after snow-melt are also analysed. The skid resistance variation between measurement points which mimic pedestrian route in study site are analysed to check out the consistency of the skid resistance along the sidewalk.
CONCLUSIONS : The study concluded that the skid resistance of sidewalk surfaces varied depending on the surface types and weather conditions. Secondly, reduction rates of skid resistance according to weather changes are varied depending on the surface types, Thirdly, consistency of skid resistance along the pedestrian route is hardly acquired in the study site at least. So, future study on the consistency evaluation for skid resistance along sidewalk is strongly recommended.