Skid resistance - Road surfaces, road marking products and coatings in public spaces

Grip is characterized by a surface's ability to mobilize frictional forces between the object (tire, tread, cane tip, etc.) and the ground (pavement, road markings, sidewalk, bicycle lane, etc.) when subjected to the stresses generated by its movement. It prevents slipperiness.

On dry roads, grip levels are generally satisfactory. On wet or damp surfaces, however, grip is considerably reduced. A film of water interposes itself between the object and the ground, so that contact forces can no longer develop. The pavement must therefore have sufficient surface irregularities to enable contact conditions as close as possible to those encountered on dry pavement. Depending on the scale, a distinction is made between macrotexture and microtexture. These are the two texture indicators that qualify a surface's skid resistance.

This article deals with the skid resistance of road pavements, road marking products and public space surfacings. It describes and comments on the main test methods and measuring equipment, as well as current standards and regulations. Pavement skid resistance is an important factor in safety and comfort. For the visually impaired, grip contrasts are a source of information. By virtue of its functions, knowledge of a pavement's skid resistance performance enables the various players involved to better meet the needs of all users.