Consider Using Pavement Reinforcement Systems on Overlay Projects

The main purpose of pavement reinforcement systems is to reduce reflective cracking in new overlay projects. Reflective cracking happens when cracks in the existing roadway work through the new overlay in the same location as the old road surface. Rule of thumb for this timeline is 1 inch per year more or less. Our current standard is 1.5" for an overlay, so it's quite common for us to see reflective cracking the following season after an overlay project. How pavement reinforcement systems work is the mesh is placed on top of a thin leveling course of asphalt placed over the existing roadway. The existing roadway is prepared by sweeping and filling all cracks over a 1/4." Next a layer of tack is sprayed on the existing roadway, the leveling course of asphalt is applied and then the mesh. Another coat of tack is sprayed on the leveling course, but not required for the installation of the mesh, and then the final lift of the overlay (1-1/2" min.) The theory is the cracks will hit the mesh and be directed horizontally instead of continuing vertically to the surface.

MSA Funds

With more research I think the product could have potential use in our road system. Staff would recommend a test section on our MSA system, if the cost isn't too prohibitive. Staff would recommend the section of Alpine Dr scheduled for an overlay project in 2012. If the committee members recall, we are overlaying Alpine Dr from Ramsey Blvd east to the skate park this year. Next year the road will be overlaid from the skate park, east to Sunfish Lk Blvd, with a trail constructed the full length of the segment. These two sections of road would give us an excellent chance to compare the road with and without the reinforcement system. Both sections of roadway would have similar traffic loads and soil conditions. The trail could also possibly be included in the study as well.