Surface Treated Roads in Blind River

Surface treated roads are also referred to as chip seal or Low Class Bituminous (LCB) pavement but all these names refer to bituminous surface treatment.  Some low traffic or residential roads with an aggregate base in Blind River are LCB asphalt.  This method is used to enhance and protect roads, driveways, and other paved surfaces.

Other paved roads within the Town of Blind River are paved using Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA).  This is the more common pavement seen on highways and higher traffic roadways.

How are surface treated roadways different from asphalt overlays?

The difference is in the construction method. Hot Mix Asphalt pavement is produced by heating liquid asphalt and mixing it with aggregate, with the mix then spread and compacted to form a durable road structure and riding surface. Surface treated roads uses the same ingredients as asphalt paving, but the construction method is different. With surface treatment, a thin film of heated asphalt liquid is sprayed on the road surface, followed by the placement of small aggregate. The aggregate is then compacted to orient the granular particles for maximum adherence to the underlying aggregate, and excess stone is swept or removed during winter operations from the surface once the roadway has sufficient time to cure.  At this stage some residents have remarked that their road has been converted to gravel.  This is not the case as the remaining aggregate will be removed revealing the surface treated road underneath. The ingredients of hot mix asphalt and surface treatment are the same; only the construction methods are different.

Why is the Town of Blind River using LCB instead of asphalt?

The Town of Blind River has chosen to use surface treatment on some lower traffic and residential roads in order to stretch limited dollars and focus on roadway safety and usability.  Surface treatment costs approximately 14 % of the cost of asphalt installation.  Surface treatment works best to preserve roads that are in good condition. This is why the base of each street is repaired if need before the surface treatment is applied.

Surface Treated Road Application

Aggregate Base:

Think of the aggregate base as the foundation of a road. It's a layer of crushed stones, gravel, or other coarse materials that provides a stable base for the pavement.

Bituminous Material:

Bituminous material, often referred to as asphalt or bitumen, is a sticky, black, and viscous substance derived from crude oil. It's used to bind the aggregate particles together.

Surface Treatment:

Surface treatment involves applying a thin layer of bituminous material onto the aggregate base. This is done to create a durable and weather-resistant surface.

Preparation and Application Process:

The process typically involves spraying a liquid bituminous emulsion over the aggregate base. This emulsion is a mix of bitumen and water, allowing for easier application.  For additional information on the process click here: Bituminous Surface Treatment (In Detail)

Benefits:

• Waterproofing: The bituminous material forms a waterproof layer, protecting the underlying aggregate from water damage and erosion.
• Enhanced Durability: The treatment strengthens the road surface, making it more resistant to the stresses of traffic and weather conditions.
• Skid Resistance: The rough texture of the treated surface provides better traction for vehicles.
• Appearance:  After the treatment, the surface may appear darker and smoother. It gives a neat and finished look to the road.
• Cost-Effective:  Bituminous surface treatment is often a cost-effective solution compared to other pavement methods. It helps extend the life of the road at a relatively lower cost.

Maintenance:

While it improves the overall durability, periodic maintenance is still required. This may involve reapplication of bituminous material or addressing minor wear and tear.

Common Use:

This method is commonly used for low-traffic roads, residential streets, and rural driveways where a more robust pavement structure might be unnecessary.

In summary, bituminous surface treatment on aggregate base is a practical and cost-efficient way to create a durable and weather-resistant road surface that can withstand the rigors of regular use and varying weather conditions.