The role of pavements surface properties in the management of the road safety for ordinary and hazmat transport

Road and pavement features play an important role in road safety. In particular, pavement properties influence the probability and the magnitude of accidents. This paper aims to develop strategies in order to improve road safety in ordinary conditions and when hazmat transports are involved by means of the optimisation of the surface and structural properties of bituminous mixes. The research is based on the extensive application of modern technologies and procedures in highway engineering, namely: - algorithms, procedures and methods for the evaluation of pavement surface texture, using high precision laser devices. These methods were formalised and applied by the authors; - algorithms, procedures, methods and devices such the BrushtesteRC (patented by the researchers of Reggio Calabria University). They are conceived to evaluate the chemical resistance of a wearing course when hazmat spillages occur, according to the European standards EN 12697-43.