Thin surfacings have been developed in France that are considered a cross between conventional thin-wearing course surfaces and thick surface dressings. Two of these materials, Safepave (or Euroduit) and UL:M, are now being offered in the United Kingdom. A series of road trials are tinder way to assess their benefits and any possible negative aspects. The trials have two main objectives: to compare the performance of these thin surfacings with existing materials of known perfomiance and to

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... s their effectiveness as resurfacing materials. To compare their performance, the first aim, the surfacings were laid in sections alongside sections of rolled asphalt wearing course, racked-in surface dressing, and slurry surfacing. To assess their effectiveness, the second aim, Safepave was laid over concrete highways using different treatments at the joints to delay reflective cracking. Trials were conducted on various types of road, including a motorway, major-trunk dual carriageway, rural-trunk and urban dual carriageway. Measurements made on the surf acings included visual assessment, skid resistance (Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine and rake-force trailer), texture depth (sand patch and sensor-measured), rutting, longitudinal profile, and noise. Use of thin surfacings in the United Kingdom is discussed and results of the trials to qate are reported. Usefulness of these materials, as well as the conditions under which they should prove effective compared with other currently available materials surfacing is also considered.