Asphalt repair is a process by which asphalt pavement is repaired using a variety of materials and techniques. It can be done on-site, in the field, or at a repair facility. On-site repairs are typically done when there is some damage to the pavement but it does not need to be replaced. Asphalt repairs are typically done when the pavement needs to be replaced due to extensive damage. Repair facilities do both on-site and field repairs, as well as provide rehabilitation services for damaged pavements.
There are four main types of asphalt repair: patching, resurfacing, rebuilding, and restoration. Patching is used when there is only minor damage and the goal is to keep the road open as long as possible while waiting for a more permanent solution to be implemented. Surfacing is used when there is significant damage and needs to be replaced completely. Rebuilding replaces entire sections of pavement that have been destroyed or severely damaged and restores the road to its original condition.
There are several types of asphalt repair materials that can be used: bitumen emulsion (BEM), hot mix asphalt (HMA), recycled rubber tires (RRTs), recycled glass fibers (RGFs), geopolymers, blacktop extenders, polymeric binders, aggregate, microspheres, or green polymer modified geopolymer (GPMG).
To perform an asphalt repair , a crew will first have to assess the damage. This can be done using a variety of equipment, including a radar unit, a profiler, and a digital photograph. Once the extent of the damage has been determined, a plan will be developed to address it. This may include the use of patching materials or resurfacing materials.
