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Extending the life of damaged concrete or asphalt surfaces is often a more cost-effective option than replacing the road or runway. At Roadgrip, we often recommend surface preservation and prevention as a more economical and environmental option for our clients. Here are the approaches you can take:

 

Surface Retexturing with Hydroblasting

 

Retexturing using hydroblasting not only improves friction and skid resistance, it can also help to lengthen the life of the surface.

 

Using advanced equipment like the TrackjetXL UHP machine (which is commonly used to remove rubber and paint), water jets can be adjusted to improve the micro and macro texture of the asphalt. As the high-pressure water hits the surface, a layer of the bitumen is removed (and instantly vacuumed away) without damaging the concrete structure underneath.  Learn more

 

Captive Shot Blasting

 

Similar to hydroblasting, captive shot blasting (or texture blast) removes binder to improve the texture by firing abrasive steel at high velocity towards the surface.

 

Because this process immediately improves the skid resistance on the road, it negates the need to reinstall a new surface, which saves significant cost, disruption and environmental impact.

 

Asphalt Preservation

 

Oxidation and weathering can result in fatigue of the asphalt structure and complete erosion of the pavement over time but the Rhinophalt preservation treatment can mend and preserve the surface.

 

This cold spray preservative is applied to the asphalt to provide a durable seal that slows down further deterioration caused by water ingress. There is little to rival it in terms of its effectiveness in protecting the asphalt from further weathering.

 

The great advantage of this preservation is how quickly it can be applied to high-traffic roads and runways to minimise disruption – up to 10-40,000m2 to be treated within five hours! And, when utilised correctly as part of the asset management programme, it can extend the life of the surface by 50%. Request further information on Rhinophalt

 

Surface Coatings

 

Prevention is, of course, better and easier than cure, which is where surface coatings come into their own.

 

Using a resin coating on concrete, for example, can hold off damage caused by cold weather, chemicals from vehicles (such as fuel spills and de-icers) and latent defects. By sealing the surface, water ingress (and resulting frost damage) is deterred and the pavement life can be extended by an estimated 10-20 years!

 

The improved safety that comes from the increased friction on a coated surface adds to the many benefits, including that of reduced maintenance and repair. Read more

 

Joint Sealing

 

It’s worth giving traditional repair methods a mention here, too. From joint sealing and diamond saw cutting to the removal and replacement of old sealant, there are many ways to effectively mend and patch damaged concrete.

 

By caulking or sealing the concrete cracks, water infiltration is minimised, which in turn prolongs the life and condition of the concrete. For small patches on airfields, car parks and roads, this can be a quick and cost-effective solution.

 

 

If you would like to discuss the best options for your highways or airfield maintenance project, contact the experts at Roadgrip.