Road crews are busy giving Highway 97 West of Vernon a new surface using a technic called "hot in-place recycling" or "HIPR."
It's a method of road resurfacing where the existing asphalt pavement is heated, rejuvenated, and then reprocessed without removing it from the road.
Here's a breakdown of the typical steps involved:
Preparation: Any damaged or worn-out sections of the existing pavement may be repaired or patched beforehand.
Heating: The surface of the existing asphalt is heated using specialized machines, such as infrared heaters or heating units mounted on a recycling train. This heating softens the asphalt without burning it.
Rejuvenation/Additives: Sometimes rejuvenating agents or additives are applied to the softened asphalt to restore its flexibility and improve its quality.
Milling/Scarifying: A milling machine or scarifier is used to scarify or loosen the softened asphalt surface, breaking it up into smaller pieces. This process helps to improve the mix and remove any surface irregularities.
Mixing and Remixing: The scarified asphalt is mixed with new asphalt or recycling agents to create a uniform mixture. This mixture is then reprocessed to ensure homogeneity and proper temperature.
Placement: The recycled asphalt mixture is placed back onto the road surface using paving equipment, where it is spread and compacted to the desired thickness.
Compaction: Compaction equipment, such as rollers, is used to compact the new asphalt layer to achieve the required density and smoothness.
The entire process is continuous, with the reclamation train moving slowly along the road as each step is completed.
This method offers several benefits, including cost savings, reduced material consumption, and decreased environmental impact compared to traditional methods that involve removing and replacing the existing asphalt.
Tags: Road Crews Repaving Highway 97 Vernon - BC-97