Performance of Reflective Crack Mitigation Strategies on Cracked Flexible Pavements

This paper addresses the issue of reflective cracking in hot mix asphalt pavements, and explores three possible preventative methods, cold-in-place recycling, geosynthetic layering, and seal & coat method. Reflective cracks occur when the cracks under the overlay rapidly propagate through to the new surface. Cracking can drastically reduce the strength of pavement which in turn can reduce life of pavement and increase costs of repair. Hot mix asphalts are the most cost effective and economical means of repairing roadways despite the fact that it is prone to reflective cracking. Research has been conducted on Cold-in-place recycling, geosynthetic layering, and the seal & coat method as preventative techniques. For the purposes of this paper the findings of these studies will be examined and compared to draw conclusions to which technique is the best preventative method.