Methodology Report

Surface Pavement Investigation

Lincoln Alexander Parkway, City of Hamilton

Prepared for:
Ms. Belinda Bain, Partner
Gowling WLG (Canada), LLP
Toronto, Ontario
416-369-6174

Prepared by:
Applied Research Associates
Transportation Sector
5401 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 105
Toronto, Ontario M9C 5K6
(416) 621-9555

October 15, 2019

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... i

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Methodology ..................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Attachments ...................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Closure .............................................................................................................................................. 3

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials

EB - Eastbound
GPS - Global Positioning System
HMA - Hot-mix asphalt
ISH - Inner shoulder
LWP - Left wheel path
LINC - Lincoln Alexander Parkway
OSH - Outside shoulder
RWP - Right wheel path
SN - Skid Number
WB - Westbound

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A - Friction Data

Appendix B - Friction Testing Data GPS Locations (KML file)

Lincoln Alexander Parkway – Surface Pavement Investigation Methodology Report Page i

1. Introduction
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) was retained by Gowling WLG (Canada), LLP on behalf of the
City of Hamilton, to complete testing of the pavement surface frictional properties of the asphalt
pavement for the Lincoln Alexander Parkway (LINC) in Hamilton, Ontario.
The scope of work for this assignment included testing of the paved surfaces of the LINC main lanes in
accordance with ASTM Standard E-274 Standard Test Method of Skid Resistance of Paved Surface
Using a Full-Scale Tire.

2. Methodology
The ASTM E-274 test method is used to determine the skid number (SN) of paved surfaces under wet
conditions. The test method utilizes a measurement representing the steady-state friction force on a
locked test wheel as it is dragged over a wetted pavement surface under constant load and at a
constant speed (65 km/hr). The major plane of the test wheel is parallel to its direction of motion and
perpendicular to the pavement.
The testing equipment consists of a tow vehicle, a skid trailer with actuation controls for the brake of
the test wheel (standard ribbed pavement test tire as per ASTM E 501-08), a transducer,
instrumentation, and a water supply with a dispensing system to control the thickness of the water
film. A photograph of the equipment used for the testing is shown below.

Figure 2.1. Vehicle and Testing Trailer Used to Complete the Skid Testing.

Prior to performing the skid testing, the vehicle was brought up to the test speed. Water was
delivered ahead of the test tire, while the braking system was actuated to lock the test tire. The
resulting friction force acting between the test tire and the pavement surface, along with the test
speed and temperature was recorded at each test location.
In addition to the standard 65 km/hr test speed, ARA also completed testing at 90 km/hr. Testing was
completed in all main lanes in both wheelpaths in both directions. Arterial interchange ramps were
not tested as it was not possible to maintain the appropriate test speeds for these sections of
pavement. The testing protocols are summarized in Table 3.1.

Lincoln Alexander Parkway –Surface Pavement Investigation Methodology Report Page 2

 Table 3.1. Summary of Testing Protocols
Test Speed Direction Lanes Test Interval Wheelpath*
Main Lane
EB 1, 2
65 km/hr 100 m Both LWP and RWP
WB 1, 2
EB 1, 2
90 km/hr 150 m Both LWP and RWP
WB 1, 2
Lincoln Alexander Parkway – Highway 403/Rousseaux Street Ramps
60 to 70 km/hr EB/WB 1 200 m Alternating
*Where noted, an “alternating” test setup was applied to alternate measurements in the left
and right wheelpaths in order to acquire representative data in a single pass.

The testing was completed during the late evening and early morning hours on September 27thand
28th, 2019. The skid resistance results are included in Appendix A with GPS locations included in
Appendix B.

3. Attachments
The following documents/data files have been provided under separate cover:
1. Appendix A - Friction Data
2. Appendix B - Friction Testing Data GPS Locations (KML file)

4. Closure
The fieldwork for this project was carried out by ARA field staff. This summary report was written by
Ms. Lori K. Schaus, MASc., P.Eng., with a technical review by Mr. Chris Olidis, P.Eng.

Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Lori K. Schaus, MASc., P.Eng.

Senior Pavement Engineer

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