General Parameters & Advice
Micro surfacing is designed for application on asphalt pavements that have adequate structural capacity.
If an asphalt pavement is displaying structural distress, a different treatment should be selected. If an asphalt pavement is experiencing active rutting and/or shoving, it is not a candidate for micro surfacing.
Site Selection for Specific Distresses
Although micro surfacing is widely used in the preservation of good asphalt pavements, the treatment may also be used to address specific asphalt pavement distresses early on. Preservation solves asphalt pavement problems early and avoids more invasive measures that may be required later on.
- LOSS OF FRICTION, OXIDATION, RAVELING AND LACK OF UNIFORM COLOR: Asphalt pavement should be in good condition, free of potholes, alligator cracking, and other severe distresses. If localized distresses are present, they may be corrected with proper patching techniques before the micro surfacing is applied.
- UNEVEN SURFACE PROFILE AND RUTTING: Asphalt pavement should be in good condition, free of potholes, alligator cracking, and other severe distresses. If localized distresses are present, they may be corrected with proper patching techniques before the micro surfacing is applied. When rutting or deformation is less than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm), a full width leveling course may be applied with the spreader box using a stiff strike-off. Ruts of 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) or greater in depth shall be filled with a rut-filling box. Ruts in excess of 1-1/2 inch (3.8 cm) in depth may require multiple applications with the rut-filling box.
Road Type, Surface, and Traffic Specifics
Micro surfacing can be used on a variety of asphalt pavement types, and throughout the range of traffic levels:
- Interstate highways
- State highways
- Collector streets
- Residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Due to the quick set and break nature of micro surfacing, extra care and workmanship is required to achieve a aesthetically pleasing surface finish.
Although micro surfacing is typically placed on asphalt pavements, concrete and brick surfaces can be treated as well. This requires the application of a tack coat.
To ensure success, the laboratory performing the mix design should be aware of your project’s application and use.
Climate
Micro surfacing has been placed successfully in all climate regions. It is important that the lab know where a micro surfacing project will be placed to provide the optimum Job Mix Formula.
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Residential Street with Micro Surfacing
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Mountain Highway with Micro Surfacing
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Interstate with Micro Surfacing
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