Evaluation of the Long-Term Performance and Benefit of Using an Enhanced Micro-Milling Resurfacing Method
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has applied the environmentally friendly and cost-effective pavement preservation method, micro-milling and thin overlay, to Georgia’s interstate highways since 2007. The objectives of this project were to critically assess the long-term performance of micro-milling and thin overlay and to quantitatively evaluate its economic and environmental benefits by conducting life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and life-cycle analysis (LCA). GDOT’s projects on I-75, I-95, and I-285 were analyzed in the study. As an alternative, the conventional milling and overlay (“conventional method”) was used for comparison. Results showed that the micro-milling and thin overlay method has 10-12 years of expected service life. It is comparable to the conventional method but reduces the costs by $65,600 per lane mile compared with the conventional method. The study also showed that micro-milling and thin overlay is a good crack relief treatment. In addition, it produces fewer greenhouse gases, and uses less water and energy than the conventional method. Overall, micro-milling and thin overlay is a promising, sustainable pavement preservation method that will save money for transportation agencies if it is applied adequately on the pavements with sound structural conditions.
- Record URL:
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
790 Atlantic Drive
Atlanta, GA United States 30332-0355Georgia Department of Transportation
Office of Performance-Based Management and Research
Forest Park, GA United States GA 30297-2534Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Tsai, Yichang (James)
- Wang, Zhaohua
- Gadsby, April
- Publication Date: 2019-1
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 112p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Cost effectiveness; Economic benefits; Environmental impacts; Interstate highways; Life cycle analysis; Life cycle costing; Resurfacing; Service life
- Uncontrolled Terms: Long term performance; Micromilling; Pavement preservation; Thin overlays
- Geographic Terms: Georgia
- Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01704678
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-GA-18-1320, Report No. 13-20
- Contract Numbers: PI#0011825
- Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
- Created Date: May 15 2019 6:40PM