Chip Seal Maintenance: Solutions for Bleeding and Flushed Pavement Surfaces

This study summarizes the research directed at identifying maintenance solutions for bleeding and flushed pavements surfaced with a chip seal. Factors that contribute to bleeding and flushed chip seals pertain to aggregates, binders, traffic, environment, and construction. No better advice exists for dealing with bleeding and flushed chip seals than to avoid the problem from the outset by employing a preventive maintenance perspective. Bleeding is an immediate maintenance problem that must be addressed; corrective maintenance, or in some cases emergency maintenance, would be done. Basic approaches to treat bleeding include bridging over the live asphalt by applying aggregate of various types and gradations, cooling off the pavement surface by applying water with or without additives, and removing the bleeding asphalt and rebuilding the pavement seal. Flushing, in contrast to bleeding, is typically not a maintenance problem that must be addressed immediately. Basic approaches to treat flushed chip seals are to retexture the existing surface or to add a new textured surface over the flushed pavement. Three promising areas for further research and implementation relative to bleeding and flushing solutions include the uses of lime water, ultrahigh pressure water cutting, and the racked-in seal at intersections.