Avoiding loose aggregate and sticky bitumen 

(Austroads Part4K)

Sprayed seals are the predominant road surface across the Australian road network, covering over 80% of all roads. Providing a network of sealed roads has necessitated the development of specific skills in low-cost road construction and maintenance techniques, particularly the use of thin sprayed bituminous treatments on pavements constructed from locally available materials (often of marginal quality) or crushed rock. There are a number of factors that impact on the life of a seal, including the choice of treatment, quality of materials, operational aspects of construction, as well as traffic number and type of vehicles.

Acknowledging the importance of sprayed seal surfacings for the Australian road network, Austroads released a new single document titled, “Guide to Pavement Technology Part 4K, Selection and Design of Sprayed Seals” in October 2018. To improve awareness of this new Austroads Part 4K document, IPWEAQ in conjunction with a practical expert in the area of bitumen sealing, is offering a one-day workshop.