Ohio’s Research Initiative for Locals (ORIL) Research On-Call Task 1 –Tree Canopy

Premature deterioration of asphalt pavement has been observed in shaded areas, such as those under tree canopies or near tall buildings or hills. The shade slows or prevents drying of the pavement surface after rain or snow, and the prolonged presence of moisture leads to premature or increased stripping of the asphalt. One frequently used remedy is to trim or remove tree cover, but this is not always an option. This study was conducted to assess the current state of practice among local public agencies (LPAs) for mitigating and managing the damage to asphalt resulting from excess moisture presence. The scope of the investigation included the nature of moisture damage to asphalt and its causes, and various methods of prevention, mitigation, repair, and replacement.The state of practice was ascertained via a literature review. Countermeasures may be applied at several stages, including at asphalt mix design (e.g. anti-stripping amendments), during construction (e.g. asphalt treated permeable base and permeable pavement), surface treatments after construction (e.g. fog seal, rejuvenator application, slurry seal, micro-surfacing, and chip seal), and in response to signs of damage (e.g. scrub seal, thin HMA overlay, or in extreme cases, full-depth replacement). Most of these treatments have been found effective in sealing the pavement and extending service life.A survey of 67 LPAs in the Ohio examined current practices in the state, and follow-up interviews were conducted with some agencies to get a more in-depth view of practices. Nearly all LPAs encountered problems with shaded pavements, and most thought pavement service life was reduced by at least three years. Most common countermeasures included tree trimming and high-walling, sealing cracks, dura-patching, chip seal, rejuvenator application, Reclamite, or using a better surface course.

• Record URL:
  • https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401ccp2/id/22219/rec/1
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/72887
• Corporate Authors:

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  Office of Research and Development
  1980 West Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223

  Ohio University, Athens

  Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment
  141 Stocker Engineering and Technology Center
  Athens, OH  United States  45701-2979

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Khoury, Issam
  • 0000-0003-4856-7535
  • Garcia-Ruiz, Johnnatan
  • 0000-0002-2414-6608
  • Nazzal, Munir D
  • 0000-0002-5677-1280
• Publication Date: 2021-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 71p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Chip seals; Climate; Literature reviews; Local government agencies; Moisture damage; Pavement maintenance; Trees
• Geographic Terms: Ohio
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01902955
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/OH-2022-03
• Contract Numbers: 34878
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Dec 21 2023 4:35PM