No.

11
PAVEMENT
WORK TIPS
October 2021

BITUMINOUS SURFACING CHARACTERISTICS

• Fine gap graded asphalt (FGGA): FGGA is a
INTRODUCTION dense graded asphalt with low air voids, and
This work tip provides guidance on the characteristics intermediate sized fractions replaced by finer
of bituminous surfacing treatments, including user fractions. FGGA relies on the stiffness of the fine
performance requirements. Selection of surfacing type aggregate/filler/binder mixture for stability. When
involves a complex interaction of factors, including used in residential streets and other lightly
pavement type, traffic stresses and required operating trafficked applications, FGGA provides a fine
characteristics. Maintenance requirements and whole- textured surface and a workable mix that is
of-life costs need to be considered. readily compacted.
• Sprayed seal: Generally, consists of a single
The primary characteristics that affect users are layer of bitumen that is sprayed as a hot liquid, or
safety, noise and ride quality. Safety particularly in emulsion form which is immediately followed
relates to skid resistance in wet weather, but also by the application of a crushed single sized
includes the effect of water spray on visibility. aggregate. Sprayed seals are held in place by a
combination of adhesion between binder and
For more detailed information refer to Guide to aggregate, mechanical interlock between
Pavement Technology Part 3: Pavement Surfacings adjoining aggregate particles.
(Austroads 2009). • Microsurfacing: A bituminous slurry surfacing
that contains polymer modified emulsion binder,
which is capable of being spread in layers with
BITUMINOUS SURFACING TYPES variable thickness for rut-filling and correction
• Dense graded asphalt (DGA): A dense graded courses, and for wearing course applications
asphalt has a continuous distribution of requiring good surface texture (Austroads 2018).
aggregate particle size and filler (i.e. evenly
distributed from coarse to fine) and a design air
voids content generally in the range of 3 to 7%.
• Stone mastic asphalt (SMA): SMA is a gap
graded mix with a high proportion of coarse
aggregate providing an interlocking stone-on-
stone skeleton that resists permanent
deformation. The coarse aggregate skeleton is
filled with a mastic of binder, filler and fine
aggregate.
• Open graded asphalt (OGA): The particle size
distribution of an OGA is characterized by a large
proportion of coarse aggregate and only small
amounts of fine aggregate and filler. OGA has
relatively high air voids, generally in the range 18
to 25%, and relies largely on mechanical interlock
of aggregate particles for stability.

Copyright Notice © Austroads Ltd and Australian Flexible Pavement Association Limited ISSUE No 11 | October 2021
This work is copyright. This work may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided attribution
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SKID RESISTANCE Most road authority specifications apply minimum
PSV or PAFV requirements. In high-risk situations, a
Skid resistance has two main components: value should be as specified by the state road
• Macrotexture: surface texture which influences authority to reduce the risk of skidding in wet weather.
water dispersal and ability of a tyre to contact the
road surface. It can be measured directly using
the sand patch method or laser devices. WATER SPRAY GENERATION
• Microtexture: degree of polishing of individual Water spray generation primarily affects visibility and
aggregate particle surfaces, which influences safety. The amount of spray generated by vehicles is
friction between a tyre and the aggregate directly related to texture depth as discussed above.
surface. It is measured indirectly using friction
testing devices. OGA is considered to provide the least amount of
water spray.
Skid resistance can be measured using the following
devices:
• Sideways Force Co-efficient Routine NOISE
Investigation Machine (SCRIM)
Noise generated by vehicle tyres at the surface is an
• Road Analyser and Recorder (Norsemeter, or important factor in urban areas, particularly for high-
commonly known as ROAR) speed arterials and freeways. Asphalt surfaces are
• Griptester generally quieter than sprayed seals. The lowest
• British Pendulum Tester. noise levels are provided by OGA and SMA.

To achieve a high level of skid resistance a high and A further important factor in surface noise is ride
uniform texture depth is required. This is particularly quality, particularly if surface defects cause rattling of
important in high-speed applications and where vehicles such as empty trucks.
changes in speed and direction are required, such
as curves and braking areas.
RIDE QUALITY
Texture depth is generally greater with sprayed seals A sprayed seal will reproduce the ride quality of the
and increases with increasing aggregate size, underlying pavement. Where shape correction and
provided the seal is in good condition. improved ride quality is required, asphalt surfacing
can be used. Microsurfacing also provides minor
Texture depth of asphalt is influenced by the size shape correction and ride quality improvements.
and grading of the asphalt. The finest texture is
obtained with mixes comprising small aggregate
sizes only. These are generally only considered REFERENCES
satisfactory in low-speed environment, such as
residential streets and pedestrian areas. Austroads 2009. Guide to Pavement Technology
Part 3: Pavement Surfacings, AGPT03-09
The greatest texture in asphalt is obtained with Austroads 2014. Guide to Pavement Technology
mixtures with a large proportion of coarse aggregate Part 4B: Asphalt, AGPT04B-14
such as OGA and SMA. OGA provides additional
water dispersal ability through the interconnected air Austroads 2018, Guidelines and Specifications for
voids within the mix. Microsurfacing, AP-R569-18.
.
Polishing of aggregates at the surface is important in
high-risk situations such as signalised intersections,
tight radius curves and stopping on steep grades.
Susceptibility of aggregates to polishing is predicted
using either the Polished Aggregate Value (PSV) test
or Polished Aggregate Friction Value (PAFV) test.

Copyright Notice © Austroads Ltd and Australian Flexible Pavement Association Limited ISSUE No 11 | October 2021
This work is copyright. This work may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided attribution
to the copyright owners is made.
Disclaimer

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available for you to view. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document, Austroads and AfPA
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ACN 136 812 390
Level 9, 570 George Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000, Australia,
https://austroads.com.au/

Australian Flexible Pavement Association Limited

Copyright Notice © Austroads Ltd and Australian Flexible Pavement Association Limited ACN 000 770 123 ISSUE No 11 | October 2021
This work is copyright. This work may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided attribution
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to the copyright owners is made.
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