8. Troubleshooting Systems

Non-Uniform Color

Condition:  The finished surface may exhibit color variations.  These color variations may not be discernable until the next day.  They will usually disappear as the...

Raveling

Condition:  Raveling occurs when particles of aggregate dislodge from the finished surface once opened to traffic. Figure 50 – Raveling Possible Cause:  Prevention:  Inspector’s Note: ...

Flushing

Condition:  Flushing occurs when the emulsified asphalt in the slurry surfacing system migrates to the surface, giving a slick, black appearance.  (Bleeding of the existing...

Lack of Uniformity of Mixture at the Beginning or End of Passes

Condition:  Mix consistency is not uniform compared to the rest of the pull.  Figure 52 – Lack of Surface Texture Uniformity Figure 53 – Lack...

Breaking Too Fast

Condition:   The mixture breaks in the pugmill, spreader box or prior to completion of any necessary handwork.  Possible Causes:   Prevention:  Ensure that the application...

Breaking Too Slow

Condition:  The mixture breaks too slow, causing delays in opening to traffic Possible Causes:  Prevention:  Suspend operations if temperatures are not within the recommended application...

Unsatisfactory Handwork

Condition:  In areas where handwork was required, the finished slurry surfacing shows uneven application of material, non-uniform surface appearance (streaks and drag marks) and excessive...

Tire Marks and Surface Abrasion (Scuffing)

Condition:  Unsightly tire marks appear on a newly placed slurry surfacing. Figure 55 – Power Steering Marks Possible Causes:  In its infancy, slurry surfacing may...

Constructability and Performance Issues over Crack Treatments

Condition:  Excessively thick crack treatments may cause construction and performance issues for slurry surfacing. Figure 56 – Excessive Crack Sealant Application Possible Causes:  Excessively thick...

Delamination

Condition:   The slurry surfacing system delaminates from the underlying pavement. Figure 57 – Delamination (not likely a bonding issue, more likely caused by water migration...

Rain on Freshly Applied Slurry Surfacing

Condition:   Discoloration caused by rainfall prior to curing of the slurry surfacing. Figure 58 – Appearance Immediately After Rainfall Figure 59 – Appearance Two Weeks...

Skinning

Condition:  The mixture breaks on the surface, trapping remaining moisture inside and extending the cure time. Possible Causes:   This is not common, but may occur...

False Slurry

Condition:  A false slurry occurs when the emulsified asphalt prematurely breaks on the fines portion of the aggregate during the mixing process.  Because of this,...

Tire Pull-Off

Condition:  In situations where application equipment must drive over freshly applied slurry surfacing (for example, cul-de-sacs or narrow roadways), tires may pick up material.  Large...

Slurry Surfacing Mixture on Concrete Gutters and Valleys

Condition:  Slurry surfacing is spilled or tracked onto concrete gutters and valleys. Figure 60 – Poor Workmanship Resulting in Slurry Surfacing on Gutter/Driveway Figure 61...

Washboarding

Condition:  Transverse corrugations are present in the finished slurry surfacing material. Figure 63 – Washboarding Possible Causes:  Fabric drag installed too high allowing for “bouncing”,...

Premature Breaking of the Mix

Condition:  The slurry surfacing mixture breaks too quickly causing material build-up in the spreader box.  The resulting broken mixture will not bond to the pavement...

Surface Irregularities

Condition:  The finished surface has scratches, drag marks, tears, or other surface irregularities. Figure 64 – Excessive Drag Marks and Scratches Possible Causes:  Prevention:  Inspector’s...

Poorly Constructed Longitudinal Joints

Condition:  Longitudinal joints are constructed with one, or more, of the following conditions: Figure 65 – Unacceptable Longitudinal Joint Possible Causes:  Although pavement geometry may...

Poorly Constructed Transverse Joints

Condition:  Figure 66 – Unacceptable Transverse Joint (Overworked) Possible Causes:    Prevention:  Inspector’s Note:  Following construction, even well-constructed joints may exhibit some level of roughness, but...

Poorly Constructed Edge Lines

Condition:  The slurry surfacing edge lines do not appear uniform or are not properly aligned with the shoulders or curb lines. Figure 67 – Unacceptable...

Failure to Correct Rutting (Specific to Micro Surfacing Only)

Condition:  Even though the rut filling project and materials were properly selected, the final rut filling application did not correct the depressions in the wheel...

Damage from Premature Opening to Traffic

Condition:  Due to early release to traffic, damage has occurred on the slurry surfacing material such as: Figure 68 – Flushing Due to Premature Release...

Tire Marks in Freshly Applied Material

Condition:  Tire tracks are highly visible in the finished surface. Figure 69 – Damage from Early Traffic Possible Cause:  Occasionally, a vehicle will drive across...

Unacceptable Handwork

Condition:  Areas where handwork was performed may be segregated, unsightly, have uncovered areas or a non-uniform texture. Figure 70 – Unacceptable Handwork Possible Causes:  Prevention: ...