Sprayed seals are one of the most important components of Australia's all weather road network. carrying up to 5000 vehicles per lane per day. In recent years, increased traffic loading, higher tyre pressures and other environmental factors have imposed the need for improved seal design and construction practices, making the process less dependent on the availability of experienced staff. A series of full scale road trials was placed at sites around Australia with seal sections designed in accordance with the standard AUSTROADS, the local State Road Authority, and the South African NITRR design methods. Seal samples were cut from the trial sections, and tested in the laboratory to determine determine the aggregate packing and embedment characteristics, and voids. An expert team visited each site two years after construction to evaluate the performance of the trial sections using a specific monitoring strategy and procedure. Preliminary analysis of the results of laboratory and field tests, including void relationships and expert team's visual assessment data, has identified that an improved binder application raw design method is feasible. The paper discusses the results of the short term monitoring program in relation to the performance of the road trial sections. (A)
Abstract