Glossary of Highway Maintenance Techniques
There are several different maintenance techniques used, depending on particular needs:
Localised full-depth repairs strengthen the structure of the road or footway in areas that have failed structurally by settlement, typically at carriageway edges.
Localised patch repairs correct areas that have cracked or crazed but which are structurally sound.
Drainage improvements prevent water that could cause structural deterioration, from flowing or collecting on the surface or undermining the structure of roads and footways.
Resurfacing renews and restores the regularity of a surface that has deformed to an unacceptable level but which is structurally sound.
‘Surface-dressing’ (a thin layer of chippings spread onto a film of bitumen) protects an otherwise structurally sound and regular surface from water ingress, slows-down the rate of wear and restores grip.