What is the effect of polished aggregate on pavement?

Polished aggregate refers to the type of aggregate that has been smoothed and refined through processes such as polishing or abrasion. The effect of polished aggregate on pavement is significant in terms of safety and performance. When aggregate becomes polished, it typically leads to a decrease in skid resistance. This reduced skid resistance means that vehicles are more likely to slip or skid on the surface, especially during wet conditions, which can lead to accidents.

While polished aggregates may have some aesthetic appeal, particularly in decorative applications, the primary concern in pavement design is safety and performance. Therefore, understanding that polished aggregates can compromise the ability of tires to grip the road surface is crucial for any infrastructure planning and implementation related to road safety.