Failing asphalt pavements deserve a second look

DON’T REPAVE UNTIL YOU KNOW WHY!

Every pavement contractor’s worst nightmare occurs when an unhappy client calls to report a problem. Whether it’s potholes, alligator cracks, edge cracks, slippage cracks, rutting, raveling or depressions, these signs of asphalt failure can certainly send you and your bottom line into a deep depression.

At best, you muster a crew and develop a mix to fill a few potholes, but at worst, you’re forced to replace the entire pavement. Regardless of the required remedy, you shouldn’t proceed without first determining what went wrong with the mix and/or the installation in the first place.

A forensic investigation can uncover the source of the failure. Raveling, for instance, indicates a potential mixture-related problem. Rutting issues can stem from mix design, inadequate compaction, or drainage problems in the subsurface. Cracking can result from a variety of causes but placing thin overlays over already cracked pavements invites trouble.

Instead of relying on “tried-and-true” remedies that may not truly address underlying problems, get yourself some “pavement insurance” by calling for a forensic evaluation.

The BATT Lab has the tools, experience, and knowledge to solve your pavement problems. For instance, our Auto Analyzer can accurately determine the binder content and aggregate gradation and can recover binder for further PG binder testing. 

Yet this is just one aspect of the forensic investigation conducted by BATT Lab engineers. Our experts conduct field observations and analyze a variety of factors to verify processes, mix design and compliance with asphalt specifications. At the end of the investigation, you’ll know what went wrong and how to fix it.

The key to remedying failed asphalt pavements comes with full knowledge of why the failure occurred, but more importantly, the key is to avoid a repeat by simply repaving over the problem. For more information, contact us via the Get in Touch button below.