There are various methods of surface dressing that are to maintain road surfaces. The idea behind this is simple: the bituminous binder’s thin layer is spread on the road’s surface and then stone chippings are spread across and rolled into it. The surface dressing equipment is effective if the dressing is done using the proper equipment and that the surfacing process withstands weather and temperature related changes. Also, the constructors should be well aware of the fact that it is best not to use surface dressing equipment when the working conditions are either too cold or too hot. This carefulness associated with the use of surface dressing equipment is associated with the quality of the surface that is spread at the site.
Here is why it is beneficial to use surface dressing equipments as well as the dressing itself:
Skid Resistance – Via surface dressing, constructors can add to the road surface’s texture, without using high-quality aggregate or keeping its use to a bare minimum. This property directly affects skid- resistance of the road’s surface, thus improving road conditions significantly.
Maintenance – By utilizing the surface dressing equipment, the contractor can seal underlying surfaces thereby preventing water and air to enter it, since this may cause severe deterioration of the road’s structural integrity. This process is generally known as preventive maintenance and it puts a direct influence on the road’s durability, thus adding to the road’s life.
The surface dressing equipment technology has rapidly evolved in recent times, allowing better choices for highway engineers to avail. Now, there are various surfacing grades available that can suit the different needs of engineers, such as needs related to the making of roads for minor traffic, highways for heavy traffic, high speed motorways, junctions, bends and vehicle interfaces.
A good quality dressing done via the right surface dressing equipment can last for an average of 10 years, even in cases where the road withstand extreme amounts of stress and vehicle use. Today’s surface dressing equipment takes benefit from the latest laying equipment and binder technology that is available for use. There are different categories of binder that can be applied for varying road conditions, there are also different ways through which binder and aggregate chips can be applied via surface dressing equipment.
Here, the simplest form is where different surface dressing equipment is utilized to add a single layer aggregate with a single layer of emulsion, this is known as a ‘single dressing’. The process of racked dressing involves the application of a large stone layer on a single emulsion film. Thereafter the surface dressing equipment adds another layer of small stones creating an aggregate interlock. The process of double dressing involves the addition of an aggregate layer on a film of emulsion that is later on covered with a different layer of aggregate and emulsion via the surface dressing equipment.
Due to all of these facts, it is easy to see the importance that surface dressing equipment has on any construction project, emphasizing the need of their right use by the constructor.