Pothole Patching
Pothole patching is the process of repairing an asphalt-based road imperfection.
Pothole patching is a year-round activity performed by City and County Street Department crews to maintain the area's roads and bridges.
Pothole patching methods are divided into two distinct categories: hot mix and cold mix. Just as the nomenclature suggests, the cold mix is a suitable material for the winter months, and the hot mix is used during the warm spring and summer seasons.
Both hot and cold mixes are applied with similar methods. The most widely used method is known simply as throw-and-go. The patching mix is thrown into the pothole, including any debris or water present, and compacted with the shovel by manual labor. This method is widely utilized due to the easy application and high production rate, but the failure rate is exceptionally high.
The next step in a higher quality application is the throw and roll. In the throw-and-roll method, the patching mix is once again thrown into the pothole manually regardless of any water or debris. Next, a truck slowly drives over the repaired pothole, and the mix is compacted. The goal is for the compacted patch to have a crown in the range of 0.125-0.25". This process will take approximately two more minutes per pothole compared to the throw-and-go method. Although more time-consuming, it makes for a more durable patch due to the patching mix's compaction with the truck tire.
The best-known pothole patching method is semi-permanent repair. In this method, all water or debris is removed entirely from the pothole. Next, the pothole needs to be squared. All uneven edges will be cut with a pavement saw, making the hole into a square or rectangular shape. The pothole is cleaned once again before the patching mix is applied. Finally, the area is compacted with a single drum roller or a vibratory plate compacter. The semi-permanent method provides the tightest and longest-lasting patch. However, it is more time-consuming and requires more workers and equipment in the field.
During the "semi-permanent" repair, a material known as a tack may also be used. Tack is a liquid form material used to promote adhesion of the pothole patch mix and the pothole surface. If tack is utilized during the repair, it is either sprayed or brushed on the clean and squared pothole. Next, the pothole patching mix is applied and compacted in the desired method, and a final coat of the tack is sprayed on top of the patch overlapping the edges a few inches.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, regardless of method, patches applied in the winter months typically will not hold up as well as patches applied during the warmer months. The goal for winter patching should be to repair the road as quickly as possible to increase the roads' safety and comfort. With that stated, the throw-and-go method is favorable as long as a high-quality material is utilized. The goal in the warmer months is typically to use the semi-permanent. Using this method while the conditions are ideal will create patches that will last to the extent of the road's life.
