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This report presents a state-of-the-art review of the use of thin surfacings over bound (cementitiously stabilised) pavement layers and develops a test protocol for future research, based on field evaluations of in-service trial pavements.

Current information and research primarily from Australasia on the use of thin surfacing techniques to reduce or substantially eliminate reflection cracking from cementitiously bound or heavily modified granular pavement bases is presented.

Over recent years, a range of thin surfacing treatments have been developed which claim to inhibit the reflection of cracking in base layers through to the surface.

Treatments for reflection crack control included polymer modified binders, scrap rubber, geosynthetics, glass fibre reinforced bituminous treatment, high mastic type asphalt, and SAMI and SAM treatments.

Factors that affect the performance of crack reflection suppression teratments are given, with a brief comment relating to the efficacy or chance of preventing cracking reflecting through an overlying surfacing.

Keywords: stabilisation, bitumen, thin surfacings, bound materials, reflection cracking, cementitious binders