CRACKS & JOINTS: 'V-FLEX' TECHNIQUE

• APPLICATIONS

All types of cracks or joints in bituminous pavements with a maximum width of 10 mm, where there is some weakness at the edges of the crack. Not suitable for cracks where appreciable movements are anticipated, or transverse cracks or joints which penetrate as far as the base or sub-base.

• ADVANTAGES

Level and neat finish; deeper penetration of the appropriate grade of sealant; resistant enough to accommodate pavement contraction in winter, yet strong enough to retain its shape during warmer summer periods.

• WORK METHOD

Cracks or joints are blasted dry and clean using Klaruw's purpose designed Super Jet hot air lance which is also used to create a shallow trough. Immediately after this and while the bonding surfaces are still hot the crack is filled with sealant, a high-grade flexible filling compound. This is applied using a 70-100 mm wide screed box depending on the crack pattern. Natural or artificial coloured crushed slate dust, heated chippings or calcined bauxite to choice is spread on the surface to complete the repair.

• COMMENTS

We have been applying this treatment since 1983 and many hundreds of thousands of metres have been sealed using this technique with excellent results.