Slurry road surfacing
An asphalt pavement that already exists can have a slurry road surfacing applied to it by applying a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, aggregate (very small crushed rock), and additives to the surface of the asphalt. The difference between a fog seal and a slurry road surfacing is that the latter does not include particles in the mixture, while the former does. The term “slurry” refers to the combination that results when an emulsion and aggregates are mixed together. It is usual practice to incorporate polymer into the asphalt emulsion in order to improve the qualities of the combination. The “seal” is created by applying this mixture on top of the existing pavement in order to achieve the desired effect of sealing the pavement surface. Slurry road surfacing, commonly known as micro-surfacing is the most efficient and widely used optimum paving method.
Why slurry road surfacing or Microsurfacing?
slurry road surfacing is applied in order to assist preserve and protect the underlying pavement structure as well as offer a new driving surface. This is done so that slurry road surfacing may be applied. In general, slurry road surfacing treatments are reserved for roadways that have low to moderate levels of distress and narrow crack widths. Applications of slurry road surfacing have the purpose of sealing the cracks, restoring lost flexibility to the pavement surface, providing a dark, rich black color to the pavement surface, and helping to protect the underlying structure of the pavement.
When to apply slurry road surfacing?
The application of slurry road surfacing can often take the form of either an intermittent or cyclical process. When determining whether or not an application of slurry road surfacing is acceptable, criteria such as location, weather, traffic loads, and the state of the pavement are considered. Roadways that are commonly selected for slurry road surfacing treatment are typically those that have slight to moderate distress, no rutting, and generally narrow crack widths. These roadways are also ones on which a slurry road surfacing treatment would help extend the pavement life until it is necessary to resurface the roadway.
The application of cyclical slurry road surfacing would normally take place every five to seven years on the roads that have been selected for this process.
How is slurry road surfacing formed?
The asphalt emulsion and the aggregates are combined in what is often known as a “slurry truck or micro paver” which is a truck that was specifically developed for the purpose of performing these operations. I am well aware that this is very self-evident; yet, I did not make it up!
The aggregate, which consists of finely crushed rock, water, polymer-modified emulsion, and other additives, is combined in the onboard mixer of slurry trucks, which comprise many compartments. Within the constraints of a box that is attached to the back of the truck, the slurry mixture is allowed to flow out of the back of the vehicle and into the ground below. The slurry mixture will be spread across the pavement with the assistance of the box. Squeegee-wielding workers follow behind the spreader to aid in evenly spreading the mixture, correcting spots that were not adequately covered, and preventing the material from getting on concrete enhancements like gutters.