We carry out periodic maintenance of the road surface to extend the road’s life. The three methods used are:
Most carriageways in Aberdeenshire are made from asphalt or bitmac. These materials have a finite life.
Surface Dressing:
Surface Dressing provides a cost-effective way of sealing the road surface and providing increased skid resistance. This process is usually reserved for rural roads. A film of bitumen is sprayed onto the road surface then stone chips are spread and rolled into the bitumen. Once the bitumen has fully cured the loose chips are swept up.
Surface Dressing is carried out in the summer months when road surfaces are warmer and there is less likelihood of rain. Cold and damp surfaces can lead to a failure in the bond between the bitumen and the existing road surface.
To ensure that no bare patches are left, more chips are laid than are required for the finished job. Slow moving traffic aids the adhesion of the chips to the bitumen and promotes the curing of the bitumen. Signing is erected advising motorists of a temporary speed restriction, this is done to protect the new surfacing and to prevent damage to vehicles, and all road users are advised to comply with this signing.
Resurfacing:
Resurfacing is a process where the top 20mm to 50mm is removed from the existing road and replaced with new material. This process is used in urban and rural locations. Removal of the existing surface is done mechanically, and this can be a noisy and dusty process.
In urban locations a letter is usually sent to adjoining residents to make them aware of the works. The letter includes start and finish dates, the name of the contractor carrying out the works, and contact details for a Council Engineer if any problems should arise. Since the full width of the road is normally replaced there is often a need to close the road to traffic. Any closure will be publicised in advance of the works. View information on temporary road closures.
Reconstruction:
Reconstructing a road is necessary when the road has come to the end of its structural life and severe cracking and deformation of the road surface is evident. This process involves the removal of all road layers to a depth of 450mm to 600mm, and the laying of replacement road materials in suitable layers. Total removal of the road layers usually requires the road to be closed.
