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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

U of M study seeks better fixes for roads

Types, timing of fill jobs critical

By: Jen Skerritt

Posted: 06/12/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

�Compatibility� plays a role in fixes.

A University of Manitoba pavement study has found the type of road filler -- and when it is applied -- can determine whether or not motorists are in for a smooth ride or a bumpy road ahead.

The City of Winnipeg uses pavement fillers for partial-depth road repairs to extend the lifespan of a street and prevent it from deteriorating to the point where it needs to be closed for a major overhaul. The problem is some of the repairs haven't lasted, and researchers set out to determine what could help prevent the bumps, cracks, and potholes that plague city streets.

Last year, university pavement research engineers tested six types of concrete road fillers that were installed side by side in the westbound middle lane of Portage Avenue between Garry and Hargrave streets to see how they hold up to the wear and tear of salt, sand, and vehicle, bus and truck traffic. The same road fillers were also subjected to lab tests to monitor how they withstand water, heat and cold to simulate the seasonal thaw-and-freeze cycles city roadways endure.

U of M civil engineering Prof. Ahmed Shalaby said the study found the road filler must be "compatible" with the existing pavement and be flexible enough to shrink and expand with the road. Shalaby said if the material doesn't bond properly with the roadway, it can easily break apart.

While certain materials performed better than others, Shalaby said the key is for the city to test to see if the filler will work on the pavement before crews apply it. The City of Winnipeg does not have its own lab, but he said doing more research could help extend the lifespan of city streets and help address the backlog of roads in need of repair.

"They should be looking at durability tests before trying it on the road," Shalaby said. "It can easily break off if it's not compatible."

Shalaby said wet weather also puts a strain on pavement, and the city should avoid any repairs when roads are wet. He said the moisture makes it difficult for the material to bond with the existing pavement.

University researchers submitted their findings and several recommendations to the City of Winnipeg in April. The city and province jointly funded the research.

City of Winnipeg spokeswoman Tammy Melesko said the report has not been finalized yet, and city officials plan to meet with the U of M research team later this month to discuss the results.

City crews use pavement fillers to repair major regional streets when signs of damage emerge. Unlike a major overhaul, crews only jackhammer about 10 centimetres of concrete and apply the pavement filler on top of the existing roadway.

Shalaby said part of the problem is the city has limited funds to do road repairs, and there are an increasing number of new roads to maintain as city suburbs expand. He said it's important for Winnipeg to spend some of its road-work dollars on research and development to make sure crews can get the work done more efficiently.

"Many streets in the city are past due for repair and even replacement," he said. "We have to really look at our priorities. With sprawl and expansion in new areas, it's difficult for the city to manage all these pavements."

jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 12, 2012 A6

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