Innovative Developments for Applying Slurry Seal

摘要

Slurry seal has been used as a pavement maintenance alternative in the United States since the early 1960's. Slurry seal consists of a mixture of asphalt emulsion, fine aggregate, mineral filler, and water. These materials are mixed proportionally and placed onto existing pavements using a machine designed specifically for slurry seal After curing, slurry seal generally results in a 4.75 mm (1/4-inch) thick protective pavement overlay. Slurry seal is used to prevent and correct pavement surface distresses. Pavements begin deteriorating immediately after they are constructed due to weathering. Slurry seal provides a wearing surface that protects the pavement from weathering. Slurry seal also restores pavement surface friction conditions resulting in improved skid resistance. Advancements in asphalt emulsions have led to slurry seals that are more resistant to pavement stresses and have faster curing times to allow traffic back on the pavement surface quicker. Developments in slurry machines have resulted in more consistent mixing and application of slurry seal.