Polished Aggregate

Aggregate polishing is caused by repeated traffic applications. Polished aggregate is present when close examination of a pavement reveals that the portion of aggregate extending above the asphalt is either very small, or there are no rough or angular aggregate particles to provide good skid resistance.

Guidance on identifying and measuring polished aggregate on AC-surfaced pavements.
Severity Distress Example Description
N/A Close-up photo showing exposed aggregate at the pavement's surface. The surface appears to be very smooth, and providing limited skid resistance. No degrees of severity are defined. However, the degree of polishing should be clearly evident in the sample unit in that the aggregate surface should be smooth to the touch.