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Surface properties

The surface of an SDA pavement affects driving comfort, safety, and noise development.
Therefore, flatness and texture should be checked.

Flatness:

  • Longitudinal flatness: Deviation of the surface in the direction of travel; affects driving comfort and rolling noise.
  • Transverse flatness: Determines drainage and safety in wet conditions (groove depth, theoretical water depth).

Texture:
The texture is captured with laser profilometers or 3D optical methods and describes the roughness on two scales:

  • Macrotexture (50 mm > λ > 0.5 mm): positively affects grip and noise.
  • Microtexture (λ < 0.5 mm): important for slip resistance.

Especially with new asphalt technologies and the use of new rock materials, it is advisable to check the texture and its long-term stability to ensure acoustics and safety.

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