Surface texture is the most important feature of the road surface, affecting tyre/road interaction processes such as friction, tyre wear, exterior vehicle noise emission, interior vehicle noise emission, light reflection and rolling resistance. It follows that the description of texture is very important when trying to quantify road surface condition and/or its potential effects on safety, economy and environment. Unfortunately, practical tools for describing this surface feature have become available only recently. This report attempts to describe the current state-of-the-art regarding the effects of road surface texture, measurement technology and instrumentation, and also attempts to outline near future activities which are recommended in order to make use of the latest developments in the subject area.

The purpose with this study is to provide background information concerning the use of road surface texture data for condition surveys as well as for actions. Furthermore, near future and long-term research needs and other actions based on texture utilization are identified.