TRCS Portal 2025

Inspection Guidelines

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. Existence of this type of distress is also indicated when the number on a skid resistance rating test is low or has dropped significantly from previous ratings.

How to Measure

Polished aggregate is measured in square feet (square meters) of surface area. If bleeding is counted, polished aggregate is not counted in the same area.

SeverityDistress ExampleDescription
Standard
No degrees of severity are defined. However, the degree of polishing should be significant before it is included in the condition survey and rated as a defect.