Get the Best Pavements and Joints with Concrete Resurfacing

Independent homes, flats, public and private properties have lively exteriors. The beautiful facade of a building is useless if the pavements are not strong. Moreover, public properties like roads, parks, and council centers experience heavy footfall and traffic. As a result, even sturdy surfaces made of cement and stone develop cracks. Concrete resurfacing is a cost efficient and sustainable solution under such circumstances. Overlaying is not a quick fix task, as it requires professionalism, experience, and sound judgment.

Concrete Resurfacing

There are some construction companies who do not differentiate between the construction and renovation of a surface. Therefore, it is suggested to be carefully while looking for such professionals for all your surfacing needs. Once you are done with the selection process, the team will start the overlaying work after the conclusion of these following steps – 

• The road or pavement must be durable and respond to rehabilitation efforts.
• A good design and best construction practices achieve the desired outcomes.
• The existing conditions, including layer thickness, are inspected and assessed.
• The material quality and behavior along with extent of damage are evaluated.
• Structural integrity and load bearing capacity are also calculated with precision.
• Special tests related to drainage, surface friction, roughness and distress are done.
• Concrete resurfacing is always preceded by visual examination and core analysis.
• The evaluated reports are generated only after completion of onsite reviews. A pavement report has basic and advanced test results along with a complete profile.  

Selection of Appropriate Solution

Cement, granite, gravel, and crushed stone are robust and long-lasting materials. The rigid pavements made of these durable materials are highly reliable. But, safety measures are required to reduce damages. Defective and damaged surfaces must be overlaid in a prompt manner. The most effective concrete resurfacing solution is also appropriate for the specific surface. Existing structural material is rarely destroyed by the workers, and recycled concrete is not really a preferred solution for this. 

Construction experts choose the best solution from these long-lasting concrete alternatives – 

• Some popular alternatives to concrete pavements are jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP), jointed reinforced concrete pavement (JRCP), continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), and pre-stressed concrete pavement (PCP).
• Concrete resurfacing is achieved through bonded and unbonded overlays.
• The design includes conventional material mixtures, drainage, and joint design.
• Bonded overlays are constructed for both JPCP and CRCP using the same method.
• Reinforcement options do not strengthen the structural capacity of the pavement.
• Joint spacing is either decreased or completely removed by reinforcing options.
• Limited distress and good structure suit the bonded concrete overlays better.
• Unbonded resurfacing is ideal for highly deteriorated asphalt pavements.
• Bonded/Unbonded overlays are permitted for concrete, asphalt, & composite roads. 

All About Joints

Continuity is an important feature in concrete pavements or overlaying surfaces. But, properly planned and implemented joints have their own advantages. The following list describes their various requirements, and types – 

• Longitudinal joints run length wise and parallel to pavement's central line.
• Transverse joints are laid perpendicular or right angles to the central paving and help in stress relief, contraction and expansion.
• Well laid joints prevent stone ingress, water seepage, and protrusion.
• In Concrete resurfacing process, various fillers and sealers are used to increase the durability and adhesion of the surface. 

Benefits of concrete resurfacing

The joint design is a very important step in the planning and execution of pavements. The best engineers and surfacing experts prefer joints for these reasons – 

1. The concrete expands and contracts more efficiently due to heat release and moisture content. Also, the irregular cracks do not form despite rolling heavy load wheels.
2. Well-designed joints relieve the concrete resurfacing from warping and curling stresses. This stress is mainly due to temperature difference between top and bottom surfaces.
3. The workers work in a hot environment and thus they need a break. These joints let them take a break as they act as a barrier to the flow of sealant.