Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Effectiveness of Crack Sealing Techniques

Summary:

Researchers compared clean-and-seal asphalt pavement crack repairs to rout-and-seal repairs in terms of performance and cost benefit. Survey results, construction data and field evaluation of new repairs and their performance over two years gave rout-and-seal repairs a slight cost benefit edge over clean-and-seal repairs. At an average performance index level, rout-and-seal offered about four years of service before failure; clean-and-seal offered about three years. Rout-and-seal is recommended for use over clay and silt subgrades in most conditions. Decision trees were developed to help planners and repair crews select an appropriate repair method.

Final Deliverables:

• Rout-and-Seal Offers Slight Cost Benefit Edge Over Clean-and-Seal Repairs (Report #2019-26)
• Appendices to Cost/Benefit Analysis of the Effectiveness of Crack Sealing Techniques (Appendix #2019-26A)
• Rout-and-Seal Offers Slight Cost Benefit Edge Over Clean-and-Seal Repairs (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

• Rout-and-Seal Offers Slight Cost-Benefit Over Clean-and-Seal Repairs  (Blog Post)
• Decision Tree for Selection of Crack Sealing Method (Figure 6.1)  (Other)

Related Research:

• Crack Treatments for Local Governments; Status of Saw-and-Seal

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator:  Manik Barman

Technical Liaison:  Daniel Knapek

Project Coordinator:  Thomas Johnson-Kaiser

Panel Members: 
Amy Thorson - Materials & Road Research
Brian Boder - Traffic Engineer
Eddie Johnson - Materials & Road Research
Gerard Geib - Materials & Road Research
Jeff Warzecha - Crow Wing County
Lukas Marks - Crow Wing County