Road Experiment

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23181, 29 October 1938, Page 14 (Supplement)

Road Experiment

SKID AND GLARE FACTORS A novel experiment in road surfacing is being tried out. liy the LVnnsylvania, Department of Highways. A section of road has been laid down in eement with corrugation not unlike the imprint of the tread of a motor tvre in soft soil. The pattern was moulded into the wet concrete hy vacuum mats, which also absorbed excess water from the cream-like cement. The theory is that water, remaining in ordinary eement, leaves air cells alter drying, making the concrete porous and more susceptible to disintegration. The new surface is three inches thick, and was laid without reinforcement, over old concrete road which had deteriorated under heavy traffic. The corrugations, which are set close together to prevent rough riding, produce a slight humming sound when automobiles are driven at speed over the paterned cement surface. Advantages expected from the newprocess include further protection from skidding in all weather conditions and reduction of glare. The life expectancy of this type of road surface will, it is believed, be far greater than with any bituminous resurfacing, thus effecting n reduction of maintenance costs. It is stated that the results of the experiment are being studied carefully by eagineerfc.ancL joad \