An Introduction to Slurry Seal and Microsurfacing Systems

By: Steve Olsen

Industry Goals
Improve Agency Awareness Educate Decision Makers Set Product Expectations Raise the Bar of Materials & Guidelines Improve Quality of Finished Product Increase product awareness along with expanded proper use of slurry seal and micro seals

Topics we will cover:

Slurry Seal & Micro Systems
History Equipment Considerations for use Application

Slurry Seal What is it?

Developed in the 1930s in Germany A coating consisting of fine crushed aggregate, emulsified asphalt and water was applied to roadways Emulsion serves as a binder to hold the aggregate together and to adhere to the roadway Appeared to be an economical way to maintain asphalt roadways. Not Proprietary

Microsurfacing What is it?

Slurry Seal was expanded upon in the late 1960s and early 1970s in an attempt to use slurry in thicker applications that could be applied in narrow courses in wheel ruts to avoid not having to replace expensive traffic delineation on the autobahns. High quality aggregates and advanced emulsions where incorporated A stable product when applied in multi-stone thickness resulted. Can be applied in multi- layer Not Proprietary

Early

th 20

Century Seal Coat

An Innovation: 1930- 1950s

1960s Slurry Seal

21st Century truck mounted machines

21st Century Self- Loading Continuous Micro Paver

Slurry surfacing purpose

Thin surface application for maintenance of existing road surfaces Fills and seals small surface cracks Provides new wearing surface Slows or reverses age hardening in the original road surface

Where to use Slurry Seal Treatments

On Newer Pavements Both low and high volume roads Parking Areas Airports Bike Paths Pavement Delineation Preventative Maintenance Program Chip Seals- Cape Seal

Micro-surfacing -purpose
An Alternative to thin hot- mix overlays for rut filling( high traffic loads) Mat has structural strength properties similar to hot mix Good long-term wear properties and macrotexture for skid resistance Fast return of Traffic Night time applications

What Makes Micro Different than Slurry?

Higher polymer content in the emulsion Higher asphalt residual content Fast setting chemicals- allows faster break Higher quality aggregate required Micro requires more powerful equipment to mix the Micro Augured boxes Higher quality control required with the system This semi liquid surface profiling material that transitions to a dense cold mix material is able to support traffic as quick as one hour after placement

Where to use Micro-Surfacing Treatments

Surface Treatments For High Volume Collectors And Arterials As Well As Highways Rut Filling Applications Double Applications For Addressing Surface Irregularities Night Work Areas Where Fast Traffic Times Are Of Concern Concrete Bridge Decks Airports

Performance properties of Slurry Seal and Microsurfacing Treatments

Slurry and Micro Will Correct: Surface binder aging effects Surface cracking Raveling Polished surfaces Poor asphalt patches resurfacing Aesthetic properties

Additionally Microsurfacing Treatments can correct:

Surface profile Some binder or load design deficiencies Rutting Bleeding or flushed pavements

Factors to consider :
Pavement Distress Surfacing Cracking Hairline Cracking Thermal or Transverse Fatigue or Alligator Block Cracking Corrugation or Shoving Rutting Raveling Bleeding Polishing Base Repair Asphalt Patches Loss of Profile Slurry Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Micro Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Benefits
Extends Service Life of Existing Pavements Improved Ride Quality Improved Skid Resistance Seal Pavement / Restore loss of matrix Improve Appearance Striping Delineation / Contrast

What are Mix Designs ?

Formulations for a Specific Aggregate and Emulsion Grading Band of Aggregate Optimal Asphalt Content (Residual Asphalt) Wet Cohesion Set Times Wet Track Abrasion testing (1hr) & (6day) Predicts Loss Excess Asphalt -Loaded Wheel test Helps set Maximum asphalt content Successful Service Life Equipment calibrations

Equipment

Mixing Sequence

Slurry Seal and Microsurfacing Systems

Gradation Sizes Type - 1 Type - 2 Type - 3

Slurry and micro application

Slurry surfacing - Laid at one-stone thickness - Largest stone bears traffic load - Not designed for multiple layering

1/4 - 3/8

Existing road surface

Slurry and micro application

Micro-surfacing - Applied in multi-stone thickness - Stone interlock and modified binder bears traffic load - May be applied in multiple layers
3/8 +

3/8 +

Existing road surface

Cleaning

I-80, MP 128.7 to 137.0 51,025 AADT

BEFORE

AFTER

Wyoming Hwy 80

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADIMISTRATION

Summary & Considerations

Slurry Seal and Microsurfacing Are Tools For Your Toolbox For Preventative Maintenance or Asphalt Repair Systems Can Be Selected To Tackle A Large Array of Conditions Eco- Friendly Increase Warranty period Systems Can Be Used In Conjunction With Other Programs Such As Crack Sealing, Chip Seals and Scrub Seals

Questions?