As everyone knows, "a stitch in time saves nine". This is true for pavement maintenance, as well. Patching holes in pavements as soon as they appear prevents further deterioration and more expensive maintenance later. And potholes create many problems for motorists. Stockpiles of emulsion patch mix make it much more convenient to get those holes filled quickly. We have a variety of pothole patch mix solutions. These are formulated for local conditions and available equipment. The performance of the patches depends on three things: 1) the emulsion formulation including the characteristics of the residue, 2) the quality of the aggregate, and 3) the quality of the workmanship.
The Mix
With a proper gradation of a well-crushed aggregate and with a properly formulated emulsion, a stockpile patching mix may be both workable at low temperatures and maintain good stability at summer temperatures. Let us help you in selecting the best combination. The materials should be pretested for aggregate coating, water resistance tests, and workability.
The Convenience of Stockpiles
Emulsion patch mixes can be manufactured during slow seasons, and stockpiled for later use. Stockpiling means that you can patch when the need arises, without delays associated with production and transportation schedules. You don't need to worry about keeping the mix hot, and the emulsion mixes are safer to handle than hot mixes. Our emulsions can be formulated so that a stockpiled mix will be easy to handle from a period of a few days to 12 months. And the patch will give exceptional on-the-road performance.
Tips for Patches That Last
We formulate our emulsions so that the mixes can be applied easily and effectively. Although warm, dry conditions are preferable, patching can be done in less than ideal weather. Consult your local SemMaterials representative for recommendations on quality, longer lasting patches.
Formulated for Easy Handling and Permanent Patching
We have a variety of materials tailored for local conditions. Our polymer modified patch mixes have improved adhesion and cohesion, meaning the patch will not ravel and will not be displaced from the hole. The polymer also adds resistance to damage caused by changes in temperature--the material is less soft at high pavement temperature to resist deformation; and less brittle at low temperatures to resist shelling, delamination and cracking. There have been numerous instances where such patches have outlasted the pavement. We use other additives to strengthen the bond of the asphalt to both the aggregate in the mix and the existing pavement. Patches made using our high float emulsions are less temperature sensitive, and give a thicker film of asphalt on the aggregate to prevent aggregate shelling and asphalt oxidative aging.
We have systems specially formulated for both warm and cold weather patching, for locally available aggregates, and for stockpiling, so that the patch mixes will be both easy to handle and stand up to traffic immediately after placing. Consult your local SemMaterials representative for the solutions available in your area which will best meet your needs.