Pavement Preservation
About the Course
Pavement preservation focuses on keeping good roads in good condition, rather than allowing them to deteriorate through their full life cycle. This proactive strategy helps extend the lifespan of existing good and fair roads at a significantly lower cost than traditional reconstruction or major rehabilitation methods.
The course highlights the “mix of fixes” approach, showing how successive pavement preservation treatments, such as chip seals, slurry seals, hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlays, and crack seals, can be applied efficiently to maintain pavement in a good state of repair. Participants will learn how to select the right treatment for the right road at the right time to achieve the best long-term performance.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to pavement preservation principles
- Pavement life cycle and deterioration curve
- Types of preservation treatments (chip seal, slurry seal, HMA overlay, crack seal, etc.)
- Selecting the right treatment for roadway condition
- The “mix of fixes” approach
- Comparing preservation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction
- Field application and project timing considerations
Course Highlights
This course provides 3.5 PDHs and a comprehensive overview of pavement preservation concepts, treatments, and benefits for transportation and public works professionals. Participants will gain an understanding of how early and consistent preservation practices can help maximize roadway life, reduce costs, and improve safety.
Key Benefits of Pavement Preservation
- Savings: Improved performance and fewer failures help maintain a roadway network in good repair at a lower overall cost.
- Performance: Treatments enhance pavement condition, providing smoother, safer, and longer-lasting roads.
- Flexibility: A diverse treatment toolbox allows agencies to apply the right fix at the right time for each pavement type.
- Safety: Preservation projects typically require shorter work zones and can often be performed during off-peak hours, reducing risks to workers and drivers while improving skid resistance and overall safety.
Resources
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