The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) released a new publication, Thinlays for Pavement Preservation, which provides guidance on the use of thin asphalt overlays as part of a successful pavement preservation program to correct minor distresses and improve the road’s performance and life.
The publication was written by Michael A. Heitzman, Ph.D., P.E., and E. Ray Brown, Ph.D., P.E., at the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University, and John Hickey, P.E., Esq., at the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon. It was produced with support from NAPA’s cooperative agreement with the Federal Highway Administration.
The publication provides comprehensive guidance on the proper use of thinlays, including how they fit within pavement management systems, when and how they should be used based on existing pavement condition, how thinlay mixes should be developed and specified, and best practices for thinlay construction.
It also helps users compare the cost and performance of common pavement preservation techniques, and includes case studies highlighting the successful use of thinlays in a variety of conditions.
“Pavement managers are looking to get the best possible value and performance for their roadway network within their budgets,” said NAPA Vice President for Engineering, Research, & Technology Audrey Copeland, Ph.D., P.E., in a press release. “When used appropriately, thinlays meet those needs with lower life-cycle costs, by improving ride quality and armoring the pavement surface against damage from loading and the elements.
Traditional asphalt overlays and inlays are well known for their ability to restore ride quality and serviceability. Now, with thinlays as part of a pavement preservation program, agencies gain those same benefits with a thinner pavement layer, which means even lower life-cycle costs over the pavement life.”
The new publication is available through the NAPA Online Store.