Introduction to Microsurfacing

Developed in Germany in the late 1960s, Microsurfacing is now recognized not only as the most cost-effective way to treat the surface wheel-rutting problem, but also a variety of other road surface problems. Microsurfacing system consists of a mixture of dense-graded aggregate, asphalt emulsion, water, break control additive and mineral fillers. It is used around the world as an economical treatment for sealing and extending the service life of both roads and highways.

Microsurfacing is made and applied to existing pavements by a specialist machine, which carries all components, mixes them on site, and spreads the mixture onto the road surface. The raw materials are continuously and accurately measured, and then thoroughly combined as per mix design in the microsurfacing machine's mixer. As the machine moves forward, the mixture is continuously fed into a full-width "spreader" box which spreads the width of a traffic lane in a single pass.

The new surface is initially a dark brown colour and changes to the finished black surface as the water is chemically ejected and the surface cures, permitting traffic within one hour in most cases.

 

Benefits of Micro Surfacing Over Hot Mix

Sr. No. Property Micro Surfacing  Hot Mix Benefits of Microsurfacing
1 Helpful during rainy season Anti Permeable  Susceptible to water seepage inside  Minimum effect on the base layer due to use of high quality modified emulsion
2 Time to open the traffic after laying Approx 1 hour Approx 10-12 hours Since it is cold applied, it can be opened much faster than any hot applied method
3 Anti Skid property Gives high quality anti skid properties gives partial antiskid property Helps during driving on the road as it gives good grip on the road.
4 Thickness of Surface of laying Between 3-10mm Between 25-50mm Does not increase the dead load on the road and also does not increase the height of the road which results in alteration in road furniture
5 Application on Concrete pavement Can be easily done after applying tack coat Cannot be done Wider scope of application on flexible as well as rigid pavment
6 Life of product 5-7 years 4-6 years Increased life gives better return on investment
7 Consumption of aggregate 6-13kg/sq mtr. 30-120 kg sq. mtr. Aggregate is depleting fast and hence conserves the same
8 Traffic management  Less burden and for less time Extra burden and for more time Less traffic management as time to open the traffic is very less and hence minimum inconvenience to motorists
9 Noise Pollution Very Little Very High Less Noise Pollution
10 Poisonous Gases and Dust Pollution Nil High No harmful effects on the breathing system
11 Safety of the labour Labour safety is high Labour is prone to injuries Safe practice for the working people
12 Consumption of Energy Very Little Requires huge amount of energy Saves cost and also helps in reduction in pollution due to high consumption of energy
13 Green Technology Yes No Saves the condition of the environment