Pavement Preservation Journal, Winter 2011, Vol. 5, No. 2
This summer the Seal/No Seal Group released five new technical reports, which are available from its web site.
• Evaluation of Backer Rod Absorption.
This study was conducted as a result of concerns that backer rod absorption may be a contributing factor in premature joint deterioration. To evaluate this, a limited survey of contractor practices was conducted to determine the types of backer rods in use. A limited backer rod absorption study was then conducted to determine
if they absorbed and retained water.
• Joint Movement Estimator for Designing Transverse Joint Seal Installations.
With the development of the AASHTO Mechanistic Empirical Design Guide, it became possible to more accurately estimate the expected joint movement for each project design. To capitalize on the features of the MEPDG, the ACPA developed a web-based tool that enables designers to estimate transverse joint movement for a given pavement design.
• Use of Silanes for Sealing Joints in Concrete Pavements.
In recent times, concern has developed regarding joint associated distress that is evident in some wet-freeze states. The distress oftentimes begins at a joint and progresses outward as the deterioration increases. Concerns regarding this type of distress have fostered interest in the use of concrete sealers to better protect the concrete from ingress of water at the surface and into the joint.
• Joint Slap Evaluation and Prevention.
The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) recently developed a web tool that can be used to estimate the increase in overall tire-pavement noise level for a given joint geometry, existing pavement texture noise level, and vehicle speed. With this tool, it is now possible to determine the optimum joint configuration for a new pavement design, or the benefit of a sealed joint in an older existing pavement.
• Construction of Long Life Sealant Performance.
The longevity of any sealant installation is a function of the joint seal design, the materials used, the workmanship of the installation, and the prevailing environmental and traffic conditions. Long-life sealant performance is only possible through consideration of these factors and quality construction. Through the years, high quality sealant materials have become available that can seal transverse joints when properly installed.
To download these reports and other information, visit http://www.sealnoseal.org.