Proper road maintenance is essential to ensure durable and safe surfaces for vehicles. One of the most utilized and cost-effective methods in road improvements is bituminous surface treatment (BST). This remedy strengthens the pavement and increases skid resistance and waterproofing, which has made it a favorite method for road authorities for public and private work.
Bituminous surface treatment involves putting a thin layer of bitumen, then aggregates on existing pavements. This composite prevents access of water in the surface and prevents the road being worn out and damaged due to traffic and the environment. BST is versatile and economical, which is why it can be used in a great variety of road maintenance tasks.
What is Bituminous Surface Treatment?
BST is a method of surfacing roads where a bitumen layer acts as a binder to hold the aggregates in place. The treatment enhances the structural integrity of the road while prolonging its life and ensuring a safe driving surface. The daily materials used in bituminous surface treatment are:
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Bitumen: A sticky black material made from crude oil that serves as the binding material.
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Aggregates: Small stones or gravel is used to provide texture and friction.
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Additives: Optional material that is sometimes used to increase adhesion and durability.
Bituminous Surface Treatment Types
There are multiple types of Bituminous Surface Treatments for various purposes:
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Single Surface Dressing – best suited for low-volume road (traffic <2000) applications, this candidate protects the existing pavement structure from the elements and provides a level of skid resistance.
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Double Surface Dressing – this type is similar to single surface dressing but adds an extra layer of aggregates for enhanced durability. The double surface dressing would be recommended for moderately – trafficked road applications (traffic 2000-9000).
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Slurry Seal – this treatment is a mixture of bitumen emulsion, fine aggregate, and water. The slurry seal is used to provide an effective means to rejuvenate a distressed surface.
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Fog Seal – this treatment involves a light fog of bitumen emulsion sprayed on an existing surface to seal small cracks and prevent water infiltration.
Benefits of Bituminous Surface Treatments
There are many advantages associated with using Bituminous Surface Treatments, including:
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Cost effective – Bituminous Surface Treatments are often less expensive than a full asphalt overlay, leading to increased longevity of the roadway.
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Improved durability – Bituminous Surface Treatments reduce the incidence of maintenance related to cracking, potholes, and surface deterioration.
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Increased safety – the aggregates used in Bituminous Surface Treatments provide better traction for vehicles, particularly during wet conditions.
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Environmentally responsible – Bituminous Surface Treatments are used to maintain an existing roadway, maximizing new materials.
The Bituminous Surface Treatment Process
The typical process of Bituminous Surface Treatments includes the following steps:
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Surface preparation – cleaning the existing roadway and patching larger defects
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Bitumen application – spraying the binder evenly over the entire surface
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Aggregate spreading – spreading coarse aggregate over the bitumen surface
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Rolling – rolling to compress the aggregate and consolidate into the bitumen
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Curing – allowing time for the surface to orient itself and locking it into place prior to opening to traffic
Ideal Uses
Bituminous surface treatment works well on:
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Rural and urban streets
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Parking lots and industrial areas
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Low and medium traffic highways
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Runways and airport taxiways
Maintenance Advice
In order to get maximum advantage from BST:
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Review regular for wear and tear.
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Repair minor cracks and potholes at the first opportunity.
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Use preventative sealing properties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Make sure not to:
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Use on low or heavy truck traffic without enough layers.
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Choose the wrong size or aggregate materials.
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Do not prep the surface properly before putting down BST.
Costs
The costs of BST will vary depending on elements such as the length of the road, traffic, and materials using. The use of BST is less money than an asphalt overlay, however the other cost considerations will likely have more long-term costs in the form of lower maintenance and longer road use.
Conclusion
Regardless, bitumen surface treatment is a good, cost effective option to improve road durability, safety and performance. Recognizing the process, benefit and way to maintain will benefit road-authority and property managers to plan and proceed. When you use BST you will ensure safer, smoother and effective costs and resources.
