Paving & Pavement Preservation 2023

REPAVING METHODS

Pavement Reclamation:  This is a rehabilitation technique in which the entire existing asphalt pavement and a certain depth of the existing underlying materials are uniformly crushed, pulverized, or blended, resulting in a stabilized base course. The base course is then graded to provide a proper cross section and pitch, followed by paving.  Asphalt is then placed, in two layers, to a 4-inch depth. This technique is used typically on roadways where the distresses are significant or where grade adjustments are necessary. 

Milling and Overlay:  This is a rehabilitation technique in which the existing surface is milled (also called grinding or cold planing), followed by approximately 1 ½” layer of asphalt placement. The milling process will reshape the roadway, removing high points and will produce a relatively smooth, skid resistant surface.  Milling allows us to maintain reveal on existing curbing to remain, or at driveways, where elevation is key to maintaining proper drainage. This technique is used typically on roadways where the condition is still fairly good.

Leveling and Overlay:  This is a rehabilitation technique in which an initial layer of asphalt is placed directly onto the existing pavement to fill low spots in the pavement, and reshape the roadway, followed by approximately 1 ½” layer of asphalt placement.  Leveling is used in areas where we have more flexibility in elevations.  This technique is used typically on roadways where the condition is still fairly good.

PRESERVATION METHODS 

Pavement Preservation is a preventative maintenance treatment that extends the life of the road surface in an economical way, while minimizing the inconvenience to residents and the traveling public while the work is taking place.  Over the long-term, it is less expensive to maintain the road surface than to reconstruct it when it fails. These repair methods are further described below:

Fog Sealing:  A Fog Seal is a thin liquid layer applied to the surface of a paved road in relatively good condition. The intent of this treatment is to seal the pavement, rejuvenate and restore the wearing surface, and provide resistance to deterioration due to the weather and sun. After a Fog Seal, the cracks are sealed with a liquid asphalt sealer.  Fog Sealing typically requires minimal preparation, and only a few hours of road closure the day of the treatment.

Crack Sealing:  Crack Sealing is the placement of a sealant material into cracks of an existing pavement surface to prevent excess water and moisture from penetrating the asphalt. This is a preventative measure to keep the road from deteriorating further. Crack Sealing can be done as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments listed below.  The Crack Sealing treatment cools in minutes and does not require road closures.

Microsurfacing:  A Microsurfacing is a thin layer (3/8”) preventative maintenance treatment applied to an existing paved surface in two layers. This treatment adds a tough wearing coat that will seal and protect the existing pavement and give it a new friction course. Crack Sealing is applied to the pavement prior to Microsurfacing. Some of the cast iron structures in the street may be adjusted to final grade prior to application if deemed necessary. Minor patching and other pavement repairs are also done prior to installation of this treatment.

Cape Seal:  A complete Cape seal application is done in several steps.  First a full width coating of rubberized chip seal material is applied. The chip seal has a surface that can be driven on for a short time and it is rougher than standard asphalt. It has some loose chips. About a week after the chip seal, the roads will receive a microsurface coating. The finished microsurfaced road will be very similar to a standard paved surface. The “Cape Seal” term describes the complete multi-layer treatment.  Some of the cast iron structures in the street may be adjusted to final grade prior to application if deemed necessary. Minor patching and other pavement repairs are also done prior to installation of this treatment.

Cold In-Place Recycling:  Cold In-place Recycling (CIR) is a preservation technique for reusing the existing road material to create a new roadway surface. The old road is ground up, mixed with some additives, and immediately placed back down on the road. Additives are based off a specific mix design. After one to two weeks, a hot mix asphalt wearing surface will be put on top of the new road, making it look very similar to a typical paved surface. All structures (catch basins, manholes, and water and gas gates) will have to be reset for this treatment. CIR is a cost-effective, long-lasting, greener alternative to conventional maintenance and rehabilitation techniques.