SHAWN HUTCHINGS
ASPHALT ANSWERS
What is Chip Sealing ?
SHAWN HUTCHINGS
Chip seal is a commonly used method for road repair and maintenance . Chip seal involves applying a layer of liquid asphalt binder to the existing road surface , followed by the placement of aggregate chips on top .
This process provides several benefits for road repair :
1 . Cost-effective : Chip seal is a cost-effective method compared to other road repair techniques . It requires less material and labor , making it a more economical option for repairing and preserving road surfaces .
2 . Surface protection : Chip seal helps to protect the underlying pavement from further deterioration by sealing cracks and preventing water infiltration . It acts as a barrier against moisture , UV rays , and other damaging elements , extending the lifespan of the road .
3 . Improved skid resistance : The aggregate chips used in chip seal provide a textured surface that enhances skid resistance . This improves vehicle traction , especially during wet or icy conditions , reducing the risk of accidents .
4 . Enhanced aesthetics : Chip seal can enhance the appearance of the road surface by providing a fresh , uniform , and visually appealing finish . It can be customized with different chip colors and sizes to meet aesthetic requirements .
5 . Quick application and minimal disruption : Chip seal can be applied relatively quickly , minimizing the disruption to traffic flow . Roads treated with chip seal can typically be reopened to traffic within a few hours , reducing inconvenience to road users .
One of the main pieces of equipment on a chip job is the chip spreader itself . The chip spreader is used in the chip sealing process to distribute the aggregate ( chips ) evenly onto the liquid asphalt surface .
Here ’ s a general overview of how a chip spreader works :
1 . Preparation : Before the chip spreader is used , the road surface is prepared by applying a layer of liquid asphalt , also known as the binder or tack coat . This is typically applied with a specialized oil distributor truck .
This sticky liquid helps to bond the chips to the surface .
2 . Loading : The chip spreader is loaded with a supply of aggregate chips . These chips are typically small stones or aggregates of various sizes . Its also important to note the small stones must be washed well to prevent the liquid asphalt from sticking to the dirt rather than the stone being applied .
3 . Spreading mechanism : The chip spreader is equipped with a spreading mechanism , usually a conveyor belt or a rotating disk , that moves the chips from the hopper to the rear of the machine .
4 . Spreading width adjustment : The spreading width of the chip spreader can be adjusted to control the coverage area . This allows for precise application of the chips according to the desired specifications .
5 . Spreading process : As the chip spreader moves forward , the spreading mechanism dispenses the chips onto the liquid asphalt surface . The chips are evenly distributed across the width of the road or driveway , creating a uniform layer . The best chip
[ 24 ] www . callape . com 1.800.210.5923