Comparison of slurry seal and hot mixed asphalt surface properties

Abstract

It is possible to enjoy a safe road drive on a pavement with a high skid resistant surface texture. During the service life, textures of the pavement surface need to be improved due to the corrosive effects of the traffic, climatic conditions and environmental effects. In scope of this study, surface texture properties of different road sections have been evaluated prior to and after the surface improvement by means of a surface rehabilitation application through slurry seal and Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). The results were then compared. The investigations proved that rehabilitation enhanced the textural properties and hence the frictional values of the surface. In order to investigate the effect of surface enhancement on traffic safety, accident data obtained from the Izmir Traffic Control Branch Directorate were evaluated. These results indicated that there is significant decrease in the number of accidents that occurred after rehabilitation applications. Finally, the cost analysis for both slurry seal and HMA applications has been performed for a period of 20 years. The cost analysis results showed that the surface rehabilitation by means of slurry seal application generally costs 40% less than the cost of a new HMA application.