Resources

There are many techniques for restoring pavement surface microtexture after levels have become deficient. An innovative method, ultra high-pressure (UHP) watercutting is capable of restoring both the microtexture and the macrotexture on polished surfaces as an alternative to traditional resurfacing treatments such as chipsealing.

Preliminary investigations of both laboratory samples and road trial sections have shown that UHP watercutting can restore the microtexture of polished aggregate to a level similar to that of freshly crushed aggregate. The UHP watercutter combines a truck mounted UHP pump, water supply and vacuum recovery system with an independently operated umbilical deckblaster. A rotating spraybar fitted with specialised nozzles directs very fine jets of UHP water at ultrasonic velocity on to the road surface.

This report documents a Land Transport New Zealand Research Project monitoring the performance of UHP watercut surfaces against those of adjacent new surfacings on 10 sites located around New Zealand to compare the rate of loss of the microtexture improvement delivered by the watercutting treatment system compared with the rate of loss of microtexture of new surfacings laid at the same time and location.

Keywords: abrasion, flushing, GripTester, life cycle, macrotexture, microtexture, polishing, rejuvenation, restoration technique, resurfacing, skid resistance, water cutting