For most engineers the use of clay type or other unsuitable materials on unsealed roads has been unthinkable due to loss of strength when wet conditions prevail and normally overcome by placing layers of natural gravel or manufactured quarry materials to provide traction and strength to the pavement. This practise translates to re-sheeting as it is known because of the constant loss of this imported material due to ravelling, traffic and weather damage.
Many years ago re-sheeting was a viable solution and worked well. Today the practise of re-sheeting unsealed roads using this old method is becoming less popular due to on-going increased traffic volumes, heavier vehicle loadings and suitable material sources becoming harder to find. Many sources of materials are simply running out, making it harder to obtain new materials easily and quickly and therefore increasing the cost.
Re-sheeting roads is no longer as financially sustainable as it once was and now requires innovative management, new procedures and methodology.
Biocentral Laboratories in Adelaide manufacture PolyCom Stabilising Aid that can minimise the need to re-sheet unsealed roads by re-using materials lost to table drains or verges. PolyCom has been used all over Australia and other parts of the world for over 15 years and is proving to be a big hit with progressive open minded Shires and Councils who have taken a step forward and embraced the technology.
Australian Shires and Councils are now discovering they can save on material costs and achieve maintenance reductions of up to 6 times. Utilising PolyCom in unsealed road sections has resulted in cost reductions of over 50% after application and can also be used to reduce re-sheet depths.
For more information on adopting innovative and sustainable methods for road maintenance please call on 1800 790 907.