Description
A Strong but Flexible Base and a Cost-Effective Engineered Solution for Upgrading Roads
Fortress® full depth reclamation/granular base stabilization provides a flexible – yet strong – base for structurally upgrading pavements. Fortress solution is a cost-effective technology for correcting deficiencies, reclaiming distressed pavements and providing structurally sound bases for existing roads. Following an engineered design, the existing pavement and / or granular base is uniformly pulverized to a depth of 4 to 10, treated with a solventless asphalt emulsion, and compacted in preparation for the recommended new surface. The Fortress stabilized base could be a first step in stage construction. Stage construction avoids excessive initial investment, but enables the pavement to be easily upgraded by adding structure as traffic volumes and loads increase.
The Fortress pavement has the strength of an asphalt-bound base to withstand traffic, and the flexibility of the bituminous material to withstand repeated traffic loadings as well as temperature fluctuations. The engineered design tests the strength and other performance properties. When needed, the design may call for aggregate, cement, or reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to be added to improve the properties. The design is based on performance tests, such as the resilient modulus, indirect tensile strength, thermal crack test, and a short-term strength test, all performed on samples prepared in the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC).
Features/Benefits
Flexible and strong bituminous stabilized base
- Resists rutting and cracking
- Improved thermal cracking resistance
- Improved fatigue cracking resistance
- Improved moisture damage resistance
- Increases structural capacity/ improved serviceability
Strong enough for traffic before surfacing; early and increased strength
- Construction flexibility on time to surfacing
- Immediate compaction
- Traffic return usually same day; sometimes within one to two days, depending on moisture, subgrade strength, and amount of truck traffic
- Overlay within one to two weeks, depending upon weather and moisture
Improved coating compared with alternative treatments
- Durable bound base
- Economic flexibility
- Part of stage construction
- Recycles existing road material
