High friction (HFS) or anti-skid surfacing is used across the UK road network to provide enhanced skid resistance in locations where vehicles may be required to brake, turn or change speed quickly.
From approaches to junctions and pedestrian crossings to roundabouts, bends and other potentially higher-risk locations, High Friction Surfacing can play an important role in improving the performance of the road surface.
But what is Type 1 High Friction Surfacing, where is it typically used and why do the system and installer matter?
What is High Friction Surfacing?
High Friction Surfacing is a specialist surface treatment designed to provide a high level of skid resistance.
The system typically combines a specialist resin binder with a high Polished Stone Value (PSV) aggregate, such as calcined bauxite. Together, these create a hard-wearing surface with high skid resistance.
HFS is generally applied to an existing road surface rather than forming the structural pavement itself, making the condition and preparation of the substrate particularly important.
What does Type 1 High Friction Surfacing mean?
High Friction Surfacing systems are classified according to their intended use and performance requirements.
Type 1 systems are intended for the most demanding sites, where high levels of stress can be placed on the surface by braking, turning or traffic movements.
These locations can include:
- Approaches to traffic signals and pedestrian crossings
- Junction approaches
- Roundabouts
- Sharp or potentially hazardous bends
- Steep gradients
- Other locations where enhanced skid resistance is required
The appropriate system should always be determined according to the requirements and conditions of the individual highways project.
Why is skid resistance so important?
Tyres rely on friction between the vehicle and road surface when braking and manoeuvring. At locations where vehicles regularly brake, accelerate or change direction, maintaining appropriate skid resistance is particularly important.
High Friction Surfacing provides a highly textured surface designed to increase the available friction between the tyre and road.
This is why HFS is commonly concentrated in specific sections of the highway rather than being applied continuously across an entire road.
What is BBA HAPAS approval?
For highways projects, it isn’t simply a case of selecting any resin and aggregate system.
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) Highway Authorities Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) provides independent assessment of products and systems intended for use on highways.
High Friction Surfacing systems can be assessed against defined requirements covering areas such as material properties, installation and expected performance.
Selecting an appropriately certified system helps highways authorities and contractors demonstrate that the product is suitable for its intended application.
Why does the approved installer matter?
Choosing the correct system is only one part of achieving a successful High Friction Surfacing installation. The quality of the installation is equally important.
Factors including the condition of the existing surface, preparation, weather, temperature, moisture and application of the binder and aggregate can all affect the finished system.
Using an installer approved for the specified HFS system provides assurance that the installation team has the appropriate knowledge, training and experience to apply it correctly and in accordance with the system requirements.
HMS is an approved installer of BBA HAPAS-certified High Friction Surfacing systems, carrying out installations to meet the relevant requirements for UK highways projects.
Surface preparation is critical
Before HFS can be installed, the existing substrate needs to be assessed to ensure it is suitable. The surface should be sound, clean and appropriately prepared, with contaminants and loose material removed before installation. Existing defects may also need to be repaired first.
Applying a high-performance HFS system over an unsuitable or poorly prepared substrate can compromise the installation, regardless of the quality of the materials being used.
What about the weather?
Installation conditions are another important consideration when planning HFS works.
Temperature, surface moisture and changing weather conditions can affect when certain systems can be installed. The specific requirements will depend on the HFS product being used.
For highways projects, careful programming therefore helps ensure the surface is installed within the required conditions while minimising disruption and unnecessary closures.
Type 1 High Friction Surfacing on the M48 Severn Bridge
HMS Team at the M48 Severn Bridge installing High Friction SurfacingHMS recently put this expertise into practice during works on the M48 Severn Bridge. Working with VolkerLaser, on the bridge managed by National Highways, with Amey as the main contractor, HMS installed a BBA HAPAS Type 1 High Friction Surfacing system.
Approximately 1,000m² was completed during the first phase of the works, with the overall project covering approximately 2,000m² across two visits.
The project demonstrates how specialist HFS systems can be delivered on significant highway infrastructure where specification, preparation, installation quality and programme management are all critical.
Need High Friction Surfacing for a highways project?
From junctions and roundabouts to bridges and strategic road infrastructure, HMS delivers specialist High Friction Surfacing for highways projects across the UK.
Our experienced team can support contractors and highways teams with hot and cold-applied anti-skid systems, including BBA HAPAS-certified solutions.
Planning a project? Speak to HMS about your High Friction Surfacing requirements.
