HFST Before and After Analysis

Due to its high potential for safety improvement, MoDOT had deployed High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST) since 2013, at several areas experiencing high crash rates. To determine if the HFSTs are providing the expected results and if MoDOT’s HFST program is effective, this study was conducted with the primary objective of evaluating MoDOT’s existing HFST sections with regard to their overall effectiveness (i.e., reduction in crashes) and benefit (i.e., return on investment). 

Statistical modeling of before/after crashes from MoDOT’s HFST sections showed that the HFST reduced crashes, with the reduction ranging from 13.7 percent to 79.5 percent and an overall reduction of 53.3 percent. The Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) carried out subsequently showed that MoDOT may expect a benefit-cost ratio (B/C) ranging from 2.3 to 409.1, with an overall average of 52.6. Based on these results, it is concluded that MoDOT’s HFST program is effective in reducing crashes with a high rate of return. Concrete filled pultruded FRP tubes repair was not able to recover the strength of the virgin piles.

VIEW FINAL REPORT

Report number: cmr 21-003
Published: April 2021
Project number: TR201909
Authors: Jay Bledsoe, P.E. and  Hyung Lee, Ph.D., P.E.

Performing organization: Applied Research Associates, Inc.