HFST places a layer of highly durable, anti-abrasion, and polish-resistant aggregate over a thermosetting epoxy resin binder. These aggregates' mineralogical and physical properties make the overlay exceptionally resistant to wear and polishing by traffic. The epoxy resin binder locks the aggregate firmly in place, creating an extremely durable surface capable of withstanding even the most extreme roadway demands, from cornering and heavy braking to excessive snowplowing in cold climate areas. HFST restores and, in most cases, significantly enhances pavement surface friction where traffic has worn down existing pavement surface aggregates. HFST can also help compensate for inadequate geometric designs, such as sharp curves and substandard super elevations.

The greatest benefit from HFST is often gained when friction demand exceeds a roadway surface's available friction. These areas are often interchange ramps, rural curves, steep grades, and intersections. HFST has also been successful when used in lieu of costly roadway realignments, which can take years to complete due to delays associated with lengthy planning phases and budget constraints. While HFST has been proven successful in preventing crashes under dry roadway conditions, installing HFST where clusters of wet weather crashes have occurred may demonstrate the greatest benefit. Some agencies have installed HFST systemically as a preventive safety countermeasure based on specific roadway characteristics and friction at various locations. HFST can increase roadway friction significantly in locations with these common characteristics, thus increasing roadway safety.

Several States have found HFST an ideal alternative to horizontal curve realignment, saving 90 to 98 percent in project costs. The treatment offers many advantages over large roadway realignment projects and other pavement treatments. These advantages include:
 

• Relatively inexpensive treatment. When installed in appropriate locations, HFST is a low-cost crash reduction treatment capable of providing greater safety benefits than other low-cost safety measures such as advanced curve warning signs, advisory speed plaques, pavement markings, chevrons, open-graded friction course (OGFC), open-graded asphalt concrete (OGAC), and guardrail.
   

• • Quick implementation. Agencies can expect a relatively short planning process and installation timeframe compared to other alternatives. Some agencies have reported installation in as little as 10 days for small applications or 6 months for larger projects.
   

• Minimal impact on traffic. HFST implementation requires only one lane to be closed at a time, most likely eliminating the need for a detour, and most applications require only an 8-hour lane closure. Once cured and excess bauxite is removed, the product can immediately be opened to traffic.
   

• Negligible environmental impacts. The treatment is only applied between existing pavement edges and does not require disturbances to the surrounding ground. This can result in shortened environmental review periods and lessen environmental mitigation. Being a topical application, subsurface utilities are affected.
   

• Durable and long-lasting. HFST has excellent pavement surface functional durability, with an estimated service life of 5 to 8 years for 15,000 vehicles per day and up to 5 years for 50,000 vehicles per day.

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