About The Course
This one-day course is intended to provide transportation officials and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of pavement preservation treatments that are best applied early in a pavement’s life, viz., at the top of a pavement’s typical deterioration (condition versus time) curve. It provides a brief introduction to the concept of pavement asset management and addresses techniques to extend pavement life through early intervention. Topics range from the perspectives of pavement performance, design, materials, equipment (including best practices), construction, and project administration.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for engineers, technicians, and specialists with a technical interest in learning details about suitable preservation techniques and their application at the project level.
Benefits of Attending
Administrators and highway / street managers will learn cost-effective strategies for planning and managing highways and streets. The information gained will be useful in budget planning and allocating resources to meet future demands.
Engineers and other technical specialists will gain a greater understanding of early applied treatments and where and when to use them to achieve success and gain the maximum benefit for the road user and the agency.
Course Development
The crack treatment component of the course was developed by NCPP staff with the technical assistance of Crafco, Incorporated. The fog seal component was developed by NCPP staff with technical assistance by Pavement Technology, Incorporated.
Class Facilitators
Classes will be facilitated by instructors with pavement preservation experience gained through agencies and industry.
Course Content
Morning
Introduction – Overview of Transportation Asset Management; the preventive maintenance concept and terminology; the preservation treatment “Toolbox”; selecting the “Right Treatment on the Right Road at the Right Time”; and the crack treatment process.
Background – Preventive maintenance concept; rationale for using fog seal rejuvenators and seal coats; and terminology.
Asphalt Cement Properties – Asphaltenes and maltenes.
Benefits of Rejuvenators and Sealers – Rejuvenators, asphalt sealers, and life extension.
Concerns Regarding Usage of Rejuvenators and Sealers – Rejuvenators, asphalt sealers, and impact on surface friction.
Materials, Costs, and Storage – Rejuvenator properties, asphalt sealer properties, new products, rejuvenator and asphalt costs, storage, and shelf life.
Equipment – Distributor truck, spreader truck, and mechanical sweeper.
Application Processes – Rejuvenators, asphalt sealers, project selection, weather limitations, surface preparation and traffic control, determining application rates, spray truck operation, sand application, and sweeping and clean up.
Afternoon
Cracking in Flexible and Rigid Pavements – Pavement design; causes of pavement deterioration; crack formation; crack types; crack movements; crack growth; and pavement deterioration due to cracking.
Effects of Crack Treatments on Pavement Performance – Crack sealing versus filling; crack treatment life; and pavement life extensions.
Crack Treatment Design Considerations – Working and non-working cracks; timing and triggers; use of crack treatments with other pavement preservation processes; seasonal and environmental factors; traffic types and levels; and estimating materials quantities.
Materials – Required properties of crack sealants; testing and evaluation methods; overview of sealant material types, properties, and performance; storage and handling; and testing, approval, and certification.
Crack Treatment Design Procedures – Pavement evaluation; treatment process selection; site temperature ranges; sealant material selection; and installation geometry.
Equipment Best Practices – Required equipment; project equipment and personnel planning; equipment operation and maintenance; and safety.
Construction Procedures – Reservoir cutting; crack cleaning; material heating; application, finishing, and cleaning; blotting; and traffic control.
Project Administration – Responsibilities; “Method” versus “Performance” specifications; methods of measurement and payment; inspection, verification, acceptance, and testing; and use of warranties.
What’s Included?
A resource notebook will be provided for in-class use and as a take-home reference for the class. Certificates suitable for framing will be presented to those who complete the class and casual dress is suggested to promote a relaxed classroom environment.
Availability and Cost
The cost of the “Top of the Curve” class varies depending on the number of attendees, the training venue, and whether or not refreshments and lunches are provided. However, prices typically range between $100 and $150 per person for the one-day class.
The NCPP periodically schedules classes based on current demand, but for organizations that desire in-house training for several employees, we can arrange a special course offering at your location upon request. To learn when the next class is scheduled to occur, or to have your name added to our notification list, please call the NCPP at (517) 432-8220 or email us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
