What is high friction surfacing?
High friction surfacing (HFS) is a highly effective surface treatment proven to increase the skid resistance of asphalt roads and other high transportation areas. LKAB Minerals supply calcined bauxite to the HFS industry, with optimum properties for use in hot or cold applied anti-skid systems.
Calcined Bauxite for high friction surface coating
LKAB Minerals calcined bauxites originate from China or Guyana and are aggregates formed from aluminium ore which has been subjected to calcination, a heat treatment process. When calcined, Bauxite has exceptional physical hardness and stability, leading to excellent resistance to abrasion caused by the vehicle’s tyres and a high resistance to polishing making it ideal for HFS applications.
Surfaces benefiting from calcined bauxite
The high friction surfacing treatment can be applied to any surface. Typical applications for HFS include:
- Junctions
- Pedestrian crossings
- Intersections
- High accident level areas
- Pedestrian walkways and cycle paths
There are a number of properties Calcined Bauxite must be tested for prior to being suitable for use in high friction surfacing applications. These are defined by the Road Safety Treatment Association’s (RSTA) Code of Practice and include:
Properties of Calcined Bauxite for HFS:
Polished Stone Value (PSV) | > 70 |
Aggregate Abrasion Value (AAV) | < 4 |
Relative Density (SSD) | > 2.8 |
Moisture Content [%] | < 0.5 |
Grading (passing) 3.35mm [%] | > 95 |
Chemical Composition | |
Al2O3 [%] | > 82.0 |
Fe2O3 [%] | < 4.5 |
SiO2 [%] | < 12.5 |
K2O+Na2O [%] | < 0.5 |
TiO2 [%] | < 4.5 |
Our materials are verified using the BS and EN Test Methods proposed by the RSTA (above). You can read more about the Road Safety Treatments Association (RSTA) or view the code of practice on the RSTA website.
Calcined bauxite sources meet certification standards
LKAB Minerals supply a range of Chinese and Guyanese calcined bauxites with consistent properties intended for use with the Highway Authorities Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) and the British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified Type 1 high friction surfacing systems. The BBA/HAPAS certification covers the materials used in, and the installation of the anti-skid surface; testing is carried out on performance and durability of the anti-skid surface including scuffing, wear, resistance to frost & fuel and installation tests.
Benefits of high friction surface treatments
The use of calcined bauxite in high friction surfacing applications has a number of benefits including:
- A reduction in road traffic accidents of over 50% compared with normal surfaces
- It’s a cost-effective solution when compared with the value imparted to traffic collisions
- It is installed by specialist companies and all materials are approved by regulators
To find out more about high friction surfacing or our range of calcined bauxites, please contact your regional sales manager.
Pedestrian areas
LKAB Minerals offer calcined bauxite and olivine, a decorative green material. Both are suitable for low traffic volume areas including cycle and pedestrian pathways and recreational areas.