Methods of Increasing the Harshness of Texture of Old Concrete Pavements--Acid Etching

About the report:

Of the four acids tested in the laboratory, the nitric and hydrochloric types were selected for field experiments. These two acids performed about equally well, the choice as to which to use is dictated by price and availability. In the field experiments it was found that the application of acid raised the skid resistance by 15 skid numbers, which is a significant increase; however the increase in skid resistance is only temporary lasting not more than six or seven months. In cases where action must be taken immediately and equipment is not available to give a more permanent increase in skid resistance acid etching can be used as a temporary measure. Some caution must be exercised in the use of the acids so that they are not allowed to come in contact with cars because they might mar the painted surfaces. More important}y precautions must be taken to prevent personnel from getting the acid on their skin or from breathing its fumes. In this experiment, personnel wore rubber boots, rubber aprons and respirators. There was no observable damage to the environment.

Authors