Author(s): Chunyan Li; Chao Jiang; Tao Chen; Qinghua Huang; Xiang-Lin Gu
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Compacted snow layer; Friction performance of snow pavement; Polar engineering; Pendulum friction tester for road surfaces
Abstract: This study systematically investigated the effects of temperature, snow layer thickness, density and surface topography on the friction properties of compacted snow layers through field tests and laboratory controlled-variable experiments. The results show that the friction coefficient of vehicle-compacted snow layers ranges from 0.35 to 0.45 and decreases with rising temperature, while wind-eroded snow layers show an opposite trend. The friction coefficient is inversely proportional to snow layer thickness and density, with the thickness effect presenting significant nonlinear attenuation within 30 mm. This study elucidated the regulation mechanism of snow layer pore structure and compaction degree on friction properties, providing theoretical basis and data support for the design, operation and maintenance of cold regions roads and polar runways.
Year: 2026