Two Different Roads, Two Similar Problems, One Solution

Davis Road is a main route for commuters, so the decision was made to keep the road open to commuters and do half the roadway at a time. 

Davis Road was one of two roads the highway commissioner selected to correct obvious base deficiencies. The other road was bid to pulverize without stabilizing and deficient areas were addressed through undercutting, while Davis Road was stabilized with Class C fly ash.

"It's in our best interest to offer our customers the most cost effective solutions that help solve their infrastructure problems," says Frame. "By using a process like FDR, agencies can stretch their road budgets and complete more lane miles without the high cost of total reconstruction."

The existing base course was able to be widened which allowed for proper compaction of the new HMA lifts along the edge of pavement.

The stabilized base course was able to better withstand the heavy truck loads placed upon it during the paving process.

Again, the cost savings were rather dramatic:

• Fly ash processing: 14,623 square yards @ $5.30/square yard = $77,469
• Undercut and replace with 12 inches of CA-6 (base rock) for 4875 cubic yards @ $60/cubic yard = $292,500

This method saved over $200,000 at a 74% cost savings.

"For small agencies such as townships that cannot afford complete reconstruction, FDR can be a viable alternative that is still within their budget," says Strange.