A pavement’s life-cycle starts when it is first constructed, with the aggregate base correctly graded to the design thickness and the asphalt pavement properly installed. Over time, distresses slowly deteriorate the pavement until it becomes unusable or so deteriorated that routine maintenance would be ineffective. Pavement rehabilitation plays an integral role in a pavement’s life-cycle by extending the service life of the pavement. Bituminous Roadways, Inc. can help you restart the clock on your pavement investment.
Types of Pavement Rehabilitation
1. Asphalt Pavement Overlay
An asphalt overlay is a rehabilitation method in which 1.5 to 2.5 inches of new asphalt pavement is placed over the existing pavement. If the project has curbs, the pavement will be edge-milled to allow for the new asphalt surface to match the existing curb. Overlays refresh the pavement’s surface and curb appeal, but are only recommended for pavements that are still performing well. Overlays are susceptible to reflection cracking, which are cracks that are caused by the existing cracks in the pavement (below the overlay). Areas with fatigue cracking or potholes should be corrected prior to performing an overlay.
2. Mill and Overlay
This rehabilitation method uses a milling machine to remove two or more inches of the existing pavement surface, and then the milled surface is overlaid with new asphalt pavement. A mill and overlay refreshes the pavement’s surface, much like a normal overlay, but also allows for the correction of drainage issues. A mill and overlay is susceptible to reflection cracking, and areas with fatigue cracking or potholes should be corrected prior to performing the mill and overlay.
3. Remove and Replace
This rehabilitation technique does exactly as the name indicates; it removes the existing asphalt down to the aggregate base and replaces the old asphalt with new pavement layers. Because the existing asphalt is completely removed, the new pavement will not be susceptible to reflection cracking. Additional material may need to be added or removed from the aggregate base layer to replace any lost during the removal process or to adjust the grade for proper surface drainage. Pavements ideal for this technique have a high quality, strong aggregate base layer with a severely cracked or deteriorated asphalt surface.
Rehabilitation should be included in any pavement management plan, but not all pavements will be a good fit for rehabilitation. If your pavement has a poor foundation or if it lacks enough structure to support the intended traffic, reconstruction may be required. Click here for more information about rehabilitation or reconstruction options.
Contact Bituminous Roadways Today
Bituminous Roadways, Inc. has more than 70 years of experience building, maintaining and rehabilitating asphalt pavements. If you feel your pavement has moved beyond the point of no return, please contact us at 651-686-7001 or complete the online request a consultation form.