Many are concerned about the declining condition of roads and pavements across the United States. New roads cost over $1 million per mile, making this option unfeasible in many situations. Therefore, pavement preservation and rehabilitation are the most cost-effective and actionable solutions. 

Pavements left to deteriorate without proactive preservation will become increasingly expensive and time-consuming to rehabilitate. Today, various preservation methods exist to increase pavement service life. This pavement preservation, treatment, and construction guide covers some of the most effective and popular options. 

What Is Pavement Preservation?

Whether a pavement comprises asphalt, concrete, or composites, traffic loads and the environment degrade the materials over time. Concrete and asphalt preservation slows this degradation. Applying the right preservation strategy at the right time is a cost-effective approach to extending a pavement’s service life and maintaining a smooth, safe user experience. 

Pavement composition differs, which means various pavement preservation treatments. Depending on the pavement’s age and composition, multiple analyses and treatments can be used to obtain an acceptable state of repair and usability. Adopting a pavement presentation approach means applying proven and practical engineering solutions to manage pavement structures. Every dollar spent on pavement preservation can save between $6 and $10 on future rehabilitation costs. 

Some of the associated responsibilities include: 

• Design and construction: Pavements should be designed and constructed with longevity in mind, focusing on using qualified foundations, durable materials, and quality installation. 
• Overlay use: Overlays help maintain pavements’ structural capacity and survivability by preventing and arresting the development of distress in the underlying concrete. They also add load-carrying capacity and impart superior surface characteristics. 
• Application of pavement treatments: Pavement treatments should be targeted and timely. They can be an effective solution for pavements in solid structural condition without material-related distress (MRD). 

The Benefits of Concrete and Asphalt Preservation Systems

Pavement preservation offers considerable benefits, including:

• Higher user satisfaction: An effective preservation program benefits roadway users in several ways, including increased safety, smooth ride and reduced traffic disruptions. 
• Better traffic flow: Extensive pavement damage requires lengthy repairs, which can result in prolonged traffic delays. In contrast, well-maintained pavements remain operational longer, limiting traffic flow disruptions. 
• Cost savings: Pavement preservation has considerable financial benefits. A preventive approach means less expensive treatments and deferment of more substantial rehabilitation. 
• Enhanced sustainability: Sustainability is a pressing concern for organizations and users alike. Almost 90% of consumers believe that organizations should do more to reduce their carbon impact. Pavement preservation fits into a broad sustainability program, as preservation treatments often have a lower carbon footprint. It extends the materials’ useful life and limits the high-emission production activities associated with rehabilitation or total replacement. 

Preservation Strategies for Concrete Pavements 

Your preservation strategy depends on the pavement’s material, age, and state of repair. Some of the most common preservation strategies for concrete pavements include: 

Surface Treatments and Crack Repair Techniques

Surface treatments are protective coatings applied to pavement materials to boost longevity. They help prevent deterioration caused by external factors like traffic and the elements. By sealing the surface, they shield the concrete underneath from permeation, UV rays, and other damaging agents. Some common service treatments for concrete pavements include: 

• Crack sealing and filling: Cracking is typical of pavements exposed to wear and tear, especially without crack management protocols like synthetic fiber reinforcement. This method involves filling existing cracks with liquid asphalt. It’s a temporary solution and should only be carried out on pavements without significant structural problems. 
• Chip sealing: In this process, maintenance professionals spray a binding agent on the pavement surface and immediately place aggregate over the top. They then roll the surface. Chip seals are ideal for treating cracked and traveled surfaces and provide additional protection from the elements. 
• Slurry sealing: Maintenance professionals use this surface treatment technique to place a thin, emulsion-based seal on pavement areas exhibiting minor deterioration. These seals are excellent for pavements with minor cracks, as they seal and waterproof the surface, address minor cracks, and restore aesthetic appearance. 
• Micro-surfacing: This method provides a high-performance surface that cures quickly, making it ideal for applications that require quick traffic return. Maintenance professionals use a seal composed of catatonic polymer, aggregate, water, additives, and mineral filler. 

Asphalt Pavement Preservation Treatments and Strategies

Preventive maintenance is a proven solution for preserving asphalt pavements’ longevity. Asphalt is particularly susceptible to the elements and deteriorates over time in high-traffic locations. Instead of emergency maintenance, corrective maintenance involves taking action before an issue arises. It ensures pavement longevity by addressing small cracks and providing micro-surfacing treatments. 

Sealcoating is the most common method of dealing with small cracks. It prevents water from permeating through these issues to the concrete underneath. Coal tar and asphalt emulsion coatings are among the most popular options. 

Pavement Rehabilitation Techniques

Over time, the pavement’s operating environment slowly deteriorates the asphalt, rendering it unusable. Pavement rehabilitation can extend its life cycle, and choosing the correct method depends on the pavement’s condition. Once the pavement materials reach a certain point of deterioration, you can employ one of the following rehabilitation techniques:

• Asphalt overlay: This technique is an excellent choice for pavements that perform relatively well and maintain structural integrity. It involves placing new asphalt over the existing pavement to prolong its useful life and improve its aesthetic appeal. However, overlays are prone to reflection cracking — cracks caused by existing cracks in the pavement beneath. 
• Mill and overlay: A milling machine removes some of the existing pavement surface before overlaying it with new asphalt. While it’s similar to a simple overlay, it allows you to correct additional issues like drainage. 
• Remove and replace: This technique involves removing the existing asphalt to expose the aggregate base and replacing it with a new pavement layer. It eliminates the risk of reflection cracking. It’s an ideal option for pavements with a high-quality base later and severely deteriorated surface. 

Fiber Reinforcement as a Foundation for Pavement Preservation

The most effective way to prolong pavement longevity is to use high-quality materials in the construction phase. Synthetic fiber reinforcement is a fundamental component in pavement preservation as it enhances mechanical properties and provides post-crack strength and crack control to increase durability. These fibers’ inherent physical properties, such as tensile strength and elastic modulus, elevate their effectiveness as concrete and asphalt reinforcement.

Incorporating synthetic fibers into the concrete or asphalt mix can increase a pavement’s life span in the construction or rehabilitation phase. It improves crack management, flexural strength and fatigue performance. These fibers act as a secondary reinforcement system, distributing stresses throughout the concrete matrix and reducing crack propagation. 

This enhanced crack management minimizes liquid permeation and prevents the formation of larger cracks. Synthetic fibers also help to control shrinkage cracking and improve the pavement structure’s resilience to traffic and environmental factors, extending its service life and reducing maintenance needs. 

Elevate Your Pavement Preservation With Reinforcement That Lasts

Fiber reinforcement is an effective way to enhance pavement preservation and rehabilitation efforts. Integrating synthetic fiber at any construction, preservation, or rehabilitation stage increases post-crack strength and control. FORTA has been a leading synthetic reinforcement fiber manufacturer since 1978 and is a trusted partner to many construction organizations worldwide. Our fiber experts are happy to answer any project-specific questions so that you can increase pavement service life. 

If you would like expert guidance or technical support, feel free to reach out to us. Alternatively, submit a design request and one of our engineers will review it and respond.