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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
10:52
Simulation of Human-induced Vibrations Based on the Characterized In-field Pedestrian Behavior
Published on: April 13, 2016
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New functional pavements for pedestrians and cyclists.
V Wallqvist1, G Kjell2, E Cupina3
1Chemistry, Materials and Surfaces, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Drottning Kristinas Väg 45, 11428 Stockholm, Sweden.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|May 23, 2016
Summary
New surfacing materials enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety by improving impact absorption and comfort. Increased rubber content reduces head injury risk while maintaining crucial safety properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Transportation Engineering
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Pedestrian and cyclist safety research often overlooks surfacing materials, despite their role in falls and injuries.
- Existing surfacing materials, often designed for vehicular traffic, may not optimize safety for non-motorized users.
- Key safety parameters like friction and wear resistance are critical but often not balanced with comfort and impact absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel surfacing materials for enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety.
- To investigate the impact of varying rubber content, binder type, and pigment on material properties.
- To improve parameters such as impact absorption, comfort, and visibility without compromising friction and wear resistance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic variation of rubber content, binder type (e.g., polyurethane), and pigment additives.
- Evaluation of material performance through impact absorption tests (e.g., Head Injury Criterion - HIC).
- Assessment of frictional properties, wear resistance, flow, and component separation on test lanes.
Main Results:
- Increased rubber content significantly decreased the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) value and associated injury risk.
- Developed materials maintained adequate frictional properties according to existing safety criteria.
- Polyurethane-based materials demonstrated high cycling comfort and visibility, with potential for phosphorescence.
- Rubber addition improved impact absorption in asphalt and reduced ice formation.
Conclusions:
- Optimized surfacing materials incorporating rubber content can substantially enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety.
- Balancing impact absorption, comfort, and visibility with essential safety parameters is achievable.
- Further research into construction procedures is needed to optimize material performance and durability.
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