Jeff Wilson Everyday DIY Blog

Asphalt surface treatments refer to the reconditioning of the wearing (surface) course of older existing asphalt pavements. The term may also be applied to the final phases of new asphalt pavement construction. (Article 32.12.16 discusses Asphalt Paving).

Surface treatments provide enhanced waterproofing of the pavement, prevent the raveling (detachment and loss) of the fine aggregates (i.e. sand) from within the surface course of the pavement, smooth out existing surface imperfections, and provide improved skid resistance for vehicle traffic. Asphalt surface treatments are nominally less than an inch thick.

An aggregate base course is the layer of soil installed between the surface pavement layer and subgrade (foundation soils) of either flexible (asphalt) or rigid (concrete) pavement. Their purpose is to help transition surface loads from the pavement to the subgrade, evenly support the pavement surface profile, and protect the overall pavement system from water intrusion and deformation. While these objectives of base course layers are applicable to both types of pavements, load transfer is a more focused design consideration for flexible pavement, while moisture control is a priority for rigid pavement designs. Concrete base courses are further discussed in Article 32.11.36.