Macrotexture modeling and experimental validation for pavement surface treatments

•A macrotexture prediction model for pavement surface treatments is proposed.•The model provides a system of 3 equations given several main technological inputs.•A set of training data was used to test for model reasonableness.•A set of verification data was used to assess model accurateness.•Experimental data well fit the statistical model. Surface treatments (chip seals, single or double binder application, cape seals, slurry seals, microsurfacing, fog seals, reinforced seals) are widely used in flexible pavements maintenance and rehabilitation because of the reduced costs and the easiness of application. This paper focuses on the evaluation of surface texture of pavement surface treatments. A model was formalized and validated. It allows predicting as-built macrotexture, based on a few input factors (aggregate application rate, emulsion application rate, aggregate gradation). In the pursuit of model validation, an experimental investigation was designed and carried out. Outcomes of this theoretical and experimental study can benefit both practitioners and researchers.