Surface dressing is a thin surface treatment consisting of successive layers of bitumen emulsion and aggregates.
Pavement cracks gradually open up. Transverse cracks are often caused by rigid structural base layers.
Longitudinal cracks, mainly in the wheel patch, are a sign of structural weakness. In the absence of proper maintenance, they often develop into larger areas of connected cracks.
This has the following effects:
- Water penetration into the interface of the layers and throughout the entire pavement structure.
- Structural weakening
Actions
- Seal to ensure impermeability to water
- If necessary, reinforce the structure (followed by the application of a wearing course).
Techniques
The following techniques are recommended to ensure sealing :
Cold mix application including slurry seals and microsurfacing
Asphalt concrete with bitumen emulsion for wearing courses
To strengthen the structure, the following techniques are recommended :
Grave Emulsion is used for small maintenance, reprofiling, reinforcement and in new road bases.
Recycling with bitumen emulsions, in for example an asphalt plant or a Grave Emulsion type plant, consists of treatingmilled and screened asphalt planingsmaterials obtained from the demolition ofold pavement layers.