Microsurfacing: An Innovative Solution for Road Repair and Maintenance

Roads are a crucial part of our transportation system, and their maintenance and repair are essential for ensuring safe and efficient travel. With the increasing traffic volume and the wear and tear that roads are subjected to, there is a need for cost-effective and sustainable solutions for road repair and maintenance. One such solution is micro surfacing.

What is Microsurfacing?

Microsurfacing is a pavement preservation technique that involves the application of a thin layer of polymer-modified asphalt emulsion mixed with aggregate, cement, and water to the existing road surface. The mixture is then spread uniformly over the road using specialized equipment, followed by compaction to create a smooth and durable wearing course.

Microsurfacing is typically used on roads with moderate to severe distresses, such as cracking, ravelling, and oxidation, to restore and protect the road surface, improve skid resistance, and extend its service life.

Advantages of Microsurfacing

Microsurfacing offers several advantages as a cost-effective solution for road maintenance:

1. Cost-effective: Microsurfacing is relatively less expensive compared to traditional road rehabilitation methods, such as full-depth reconstruction or overlay, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious agencies.
2. Quick Application: Microsurfacing can be applied quickly, usually within a few hours, minimizing disruption to traffic and reducing road closure time, which is particularly beneficial for high-traffic areas.
3. Versatility: Microsurfacing can be used on a wide range of road surfaces, including highways, arterials, residential streets, and parking lots, making it a versatile solution for various road maintenance needs.
4. Surface Restoration: Microsurfacing can restore the skid resistance, ride quality, and aesthetics of the road surface, improving the overall safety and comfort of road users.
5. Durable: Microsurfacing forms a durable wearing course that can resist cracking, ravelling, and oxidation, protecting the underlying pavement from further deterioration and extending its service life.
6. Environmentally-friendly: Microsurfacing typically uses polymer-modified asphalt emulsion, which is a more environmentally-friendly option compared to hot mix asphalt, as it requires lower temperatures during production and application, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Customizable: Microsurfacing can be customized with various additives, such as fibres, polymers, and aggregates, to meet specific performance requirements, making it a flexible solution for different road conditions and climates.

Microsurfacing Vs Slurry Seal

Slurry seal and microsurfacing are both pavement preservation techniques used to extend the service life of roads, but there are some key differences between the two.

1. Composition: Slurry seal typically consists of a mixture of emulsified asphalt, water, aggregate, and additives, while microsurfacing includes polymer-modified asphalt emulsion, aggregate, cement, and water. Microsurfacing uses a higher polymer content in the asphalt emulsion, which provides additional durability and flexibility compared to the slurry seal.
2. Thickness: The slurry seal is generally applied in a thicker layer compared to microsurfacing. Slurry seal typically ranges from 3/8 to 1/2 inch in thickness, while microsurfacing is usually applied at a thickness of 1/4 to 3/8 inch.
3. Application Process: The application process for slurry seal and microsurfacing is also slightly different. A slurry seal is typically applied using a spreader box, followed by a broom or squeegee to create a smooth surface. Microsurfacing, on the other hand, is applied using specialized equipment that includes a continuous mixer to combine the components and a spreader box to apply the mixture uniformly.
4. Performance Characteristics: Microsurfacing generally offers better performance characteristics compared to slurry seal. Microsurfacing provides improved durability, skid resistance, and resistance to cracking, raveling, and oxidation due to the higher polymer content in the asphalt emulsion. Microsurfacing also has a quicker curing time and can be opened to traffic sooner compared to slurry seal.
5. Applications: While both slurry seal and microsurfacing can be used for various types of road surfaces, microsurfacing is typically recommended for roads with moderate to severe distresses, such as cracking, ravelling, and oxidation, due to its higher performance characteristics. Slurry seal is often used for roads with mild distress and as a maintenance treatment for preserving road surfaces in good condition.
6. Cost: The cost of slurry seal and microsurfacing can vary depending on factors such as road condition, location, and project specifications. However, the slurry seal is generally considered to be less expensive compared to microsurfacing, making it a more cost-effective option for certain road maintenance scenarios.