Saving our surfaced road network through labour intensive water-proofing and restoration

Abstract

Similar to many developing countries, most of the surfaced road network in South Africa has received little in terms of preventative maintenance over a number of decades. The all too familiar consequences of this neglect is seen on many of the rural and urban road networks (especially during the wet season) with a general deterioration in surface condition and riding quality and the formation of numerous potholes. Consequently, road authorities are subjected to considerable community and hence, political pressure to urgently address the deterioration of the existing surfaced road networks. In addition, road authorities are also under considerable pressure to increase the amount of labour opportunities in the provision of road infrastructure. Road authorities are in a situation where both of these aspects can be addressed with immediate effect through the implementation of proven and tested New (Nano) Modified Emulsion (NME) technologies, incorporating Nano-Polymer Nano-Silane (NPNS) products. These technologies have been adapted and adjusted from the built environment for use in the roads industry in South Africa. Numerous laboratory investigations, Accelerated Pavement Tests (APT) and practical implementation on a number of roads since 2015 have proven the technology to be cost-effective. The same NME technologies, incorporating applicable NPNS products, can be used to protect the integrity of the existing surfaced road networks. These products diluted in water, and applied by hand sprayers, will water-proof existing surfacings and prevent future water damage and create numerous job opportunities with little training. In addition, the same NME technologies can be used to restore some severe distress already existing on many of the surfaced roads. This paper demonstrates the applicability and practicality of the NME incorporating NPNS technologies using available labour with little training for: • Protection of the existing paved road network and the prevention of severe distress in the presence on water (e.g. pothole forming); and • Restoring some of the existing surfacings already is severe distress, such a pothole repairs and surface deterioration.