Methods to predict the durability of thin surface course systems

Highways England is looking to set up a contract to conduct research that will allow us to improve the durability of thin surface course systems (TSCS); the most commonly used surfacing material on the SRN. Material loss at the surface (commonly termed as 'fretting' or 'ravelling') due to the 'scuffing' action of tyres is a potential cause of major surface defectiveness in TSCS materials. Simulations in the laboratory used effectively can lead to more accurate predictions of how materials will perform on the network. In particular, we are looking for identification of an effective test that can enable the likely 'fretting' or 'ravelling' performance of TSCS to be predicted in the laboratory.