RESURFACING TO REDUCE DEFLECTION AND INCREASE LIFE: A CASE STUDY

After 20 years, road L708 in Lebowa showed signs of distress in the form of crocodile cracks and potholing. IDM testing in 1991 indicated that rehabilitation had become necessary. It was decided to resurface the road with a geotextile (Sealmac) and a bitumen-rubber single seal on the severely distressed sections, and with a normal single seal on the remainder of the road. IDM testing in October 1993 indicated that deflections had decreased by about 27% and that the pavement's life had consequently increased. The effect of environmental influences was also taken into account by means of control tests on a nearby road. Continued application of single seals as a relatively inexpensive solution to maintaining cracked pavements is recommended. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 873950.