M-37 High Friction Surface

Treatment (HFST)
Presented by: Traverse City TSC

Background and Project Details

HFST is a new procedure for MDOT and its roads. This will be the first project in the
North Region to use the HFST treatment.
The Polymer Resin Binder was spread on the existing surface at 30 sqft per gallon.
The Bauxite aggregate had to be laid within 5 minutes of the resin being spread in
order to ensure proper adhesion.
The surface was not to be disturbed until the resin has had ample time to cure,
approximately 3 hours.

Surface Preparation
The entire surface of the pavement required grinding in order to provide a adequate surface for
the resin to adhere. This was done with a self contained small machine equipped with a vacuum
to collect debris.
This machine also removed the existing pavement markings. Anything that was not removed
by the machine was removed afterwards using a hand grinder.
After the pavement was prepared all remaining debris was removed using backpack blowers.

Surface Before
Grinding

Surface After
Grinding

Surface After
Grinding

Surface Before
Grinding

Prepared and
cleaned surface

Hand Grinding to
remove Pavement
Markings

Grinding Off Surface of Existing Pavement

Epoxy Application

The polymer resin binder was hand mixed for 3 minutes prior to being placed.
The binder was placed at a rate of 30 sqft per gallon of mix. Each tub of mix contained 10
gallons of resin.
The resin was spread over the area using a squeegee until it was evenly distributed.

Special shoes with 1 spikes on the bottom were worn

to avoid disturbing the binder during application

Application of the
Polymer Resin Binder

Bauxite Aggregate Application

Bauxite is a very hard aggregate that is heated in kilns to remove moisture.
When crushed Bauxite retains sharp edges which makes it ideal for skid resistance.

The Bauxite aggregate was loaded into the pressurized sand spreader using a sky track loader.
Within 5 minutes of the resin being placed, the bauxite was sprayed over the applied area.
The aggregate was applied excessively(2-3 inches thick) to ensure total coverage of the entire surface.

Bauxite
Aggregate

Bauxite Aggregate
Application

Recycle Excess Bauxite

After approximately 3 hours to cure, the excess bauxite was swept up into a loader bucket
The used bauxite was poured into a funnel with a sieve in order to filter out any foreign materials so that the
excess bauxite can be reused for further applications

Finished Product

High Friction
Surface

High Friction
Surface

Original Asphalt
Surface

Project Information
Job number: 126551A
Contract ID: 28051-126551
Item Number: 1507 058
Special provision for High Friction Surface Treatment

12SP800(A)
FHWA:APPR: 04-21-14