Auditing of sprayed sealing works. Why do it? What is important? What to do with the results?

Sprayed seals represent a significant percentage of the surfaced road pavement network in Australia. Overall, the independent auditing of sprayed sealing works at nominal or arbitral points in the delivery of the whole process is infrequent and usually less than satisfactory. The main reason why we do not audit effectively appears to be that an audit is perceived as a policing exercise rather than an important step in improving and developing processes as an important facet of responsible investment. Entities that invest in sprayed sealing as a road surfacing treatment are unable to rely on the simplicity of the process to continue to deliver high quality treatments, without review. This paper focuses on practical examples suggesting that infrastructure owners and surfacing practitioners should be enthusiastic about auditing the process of sprayed sealing design, application and performance at all stages and levels with the view that improvement is possible and necessary. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217100.