Capital
Improvements Program
Asphalt Pavement Maintenance
The Village uses several methods to extend the
life of asphalt pavement in order to avoid expensive and
disruptive roadway reconstruction projects. A neglected pavement
may need to be replaced in 10-15 years, but a properly
maintained pavement might last 30-40 years. This results in a
great savings to the residents of Carol Stream.
Roadway Management System
Engineering staff regularly inspects the
pavement condition and enters the data into a computerized
"roadway management system". This system documents the
existing conditions, and helps predict future conditions based
on past history. The reports generated by this system are used
as tools to create the asphalt pavement maintenance portion of
the capital improvements program.
Rejuvenator
New asphalt pavements are sealed with an
"asphalt rejuvenator". This product softens the
asphalt, fills in small micro cracks, protects the pavement from
oxidation (graying) due to sunlight exposure, and prevents water
form entering the pavement structure. The expansion and
contraction of water due to freeze/thaw cycles can quickly
destroy a pavement. Sand is used for skid resistance.
Crackfilling
Due to a few years of shifting ground and
thermal stresses, larger cracks in the pavement will eventually
develop. At this point these larger cracks need to be filled
with a flexible asphalt "crackfill" material. We use
an asphalt liquid reinforced with polyethylene fibers. Although
somewhat unsightly, this procedure prevents water from entering
the pavement structure and creating larger cracks and potholes.
Restorative Seal
The asphalt rejuvenator and crackfill procedures
can usually be done twice on a pavement before a
"restorative sealer" is used. This procedure covers
the existing crackfill, fills in small cracks and pits, and
again seals the pavement from water infiltration. Sand is also
used to help restore a smooth surface. Restorative seal takes a
little longer to cure than the rejuvenator because it is thicker
and applied heavier.
Resurfacing
After the pavement surface is no longer
serviceable, the asphalt is ground off and replaced as part of
the "street resurfacing" or "structural
overlay" programs. The structural overlay is a thicker
overlay for industrial and heavily traveled roadways; it may
also involve use of a pavement reinforcement to further
strengthen the asphalt. At this point deteriorated curbs and
sidewalks are also replaced if they meet our criteria.
Reconstruction
It is only after the entire pavement structure,
surface and base, are no longer serviceable that the roadway
will need to be reconstructed. Only then will all of the asphalt
be removed and new layers of asphalt base and surface be
constructed. When the new asphalt surface is placed the entire
cycle of rejuvenator, crackfilling, and restorative seal
procedures can be repeated. Concrete curb and sidewalk may also
need to be replaced if it is in poor condition.
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