Stone Mastic Asphalt(SMA)

[Baldyman]

Here in Swindon the Council has just released its guidance document "Transport Requirements for Development" and quotes the DofT Specification for Highway Works and states that "SMA may be used as a replacement for hot rolled asphalt"

For those interested in exercising their right to have their personal concerns recorded re the increasing use of SMA, the following petition has been instigated:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SMAsphalt/

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Ban the use of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) as a road surfacing material until its safety has been proven for all weather conditions."

Submitted by Brian Naylor – Deadline to sign up by: 07 April 2007

SMA is extremely slippery in dry conditions for up to two years after it has been laid. It is considered so dangerous in a number of countries that it's use has been banned yet it is becoming the surface of choice for motorways and trunk A roads in Britain. We call upon the government to ban its use until its safety has been proved under all conditions. Note: The TRL only tests road surfaces under wet conditions, yet SMA is very dangerous in the dry when motorists least expect such danger to exist.

[Warren]

SMA is fine, as long as it it layed properly apparently,

i have rode some roads with the sma and they give plently of grip (a267) , yet some are like ice (ie onga high street)

[Baldyman]

SMA is fine, as long as it it layed properly apparently,

i have rode some roads with the sma and they give plently of grip (a267) , yet some are like ice (ie onga high street)

This topic provides information for those who do have concerns.

[Alpinestarhero]

I have concerns about the road surface, and if the road surface is low-grip due to incorrect application to the undersurface, then I gues I have concerns about how its laid too :?

I have concerns at the moment about whats being put down to prevent ice developing on the roads around the brighton/sussex area. It makes the roads dreadfully slippery. Its not salt, it seems to be something finer.

Hmm

My dad recons its my Metzeler MEZ4's. I think he's part right...

Matt

[EDIT] i think i have seen SMA being layed down around the Kingston Upon Thames area. I noticed that at first, water sat on the surface, and there where patches of what looked like an oily (hydrophobic) substance. It has gone now though (6months on) and seems to be a good road surface. Of course, I could be wrong in thinking its SMA...

[Warren]

the stuff being put down in brighton could well be similar to the stuff they have been chucking out down this way.

from what i have heard, its like a sugary stuff.

its not like regular salt, its slippery even when it isnt wet out, and rots your bike worse than salt.