Successful Crack Preparation is Necessary for Effective Treatment

Debris and moisture are two of the biggest issues determining the success of a crackfilling or cracksealing job in asphalt pavements. This article describes how proper preparation of a crack can extend the life of a crack repair. The difference between crackfilling and cracksealing is described, along with guidelines on when to choose each method. Crackfilling is appropriate for cracks with little movement and that are generally longitudinal, block cracks or closely spaced transverse cracks. Cracksealing is more appropriate for cracks that get wider in the winter and smaller in the summer. These are often transverse cracks. Crackfilling has a 2- to 5-year lifespan, while crack sealing has a 5- to 7-year lifespan. Cracksealing should be done on pavements with fairly minimal cracking. It involves routing out a crack to create intact asphalt sides for the sealant to adhere to. Since there is no routing in crackfilling, a wire brush is used to rip debris out of a crack and burnish the sidewalls of the crack to help improve sealant adhesion. In both crackfilling and cracksealing, air is blown into the crack to remove debris.

Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/38839621
Authors:
- Wasieleski, Becky
Publication Date: 2005-5

Language

English

Media Info

Media Type: Print
Features: Photos;
Pagination: pp 28-30
Serial:
- Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction
- Volume: 20
- Issue Number: 4
- Publisher: Cygnus Business Media
- ISSN: 1098-5875

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Cracking; Maintenance practices; Pavement maintenance; Repairing; Service life; Surface preparation
Uncontrolled Terms: Crack filling; Crack sealing
Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01002863
Record Type: Publication
Files: TRIS
Created Date: Aug 6 2005 5:33PM