Product Features

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is a proven method for rebuilding deteriorated asphalt roads. It produces a strong road base, lowers material cost and eliminates the need for disposal of old pavement. The Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association endorses FDR, stating, The process has been proven on a wide range of flexible pavement structures to produce quality results at substantially lower costs and considerably shorter construction periods than conventional reconstruction practices. Improvements  have been made to traditional FDR techniques using liquid calcium chloride as the base stabilization agent. The Traditional Method Traditional full-depth reclamation with calcium chloride consists of six primary steps. First, a reclaimer is used to pulverize the surface and road base to a specified depth. Next, calcium chloride such as U.S. Chloride's Gold Blend Liquid Calcium Chloride is applied to the pulverized material using a truck with a spray bar much like a dust control treatment. Then, a second pass of the reclaimer thoroughly mixes the calcium chloride with the road materials. The road is graded and shaped, followed by rolling and compaction with a vibratory roller. The last step is the application of the chloride top dressing or seal. This FDR technique combines the first three steps of the traditional method (pulverization, liquid application and mixing) into one step. The liquid calcium chloride is applied directly to the road material as it is reclaimed. Because the liquid is uniformly mixed during pulverization, the need for a second pass by the reclaimer is eliminated. The application rate is precisely controlled relative to ground speed and the reclaiming depth to assure consistent coverage of the stabilizing agent. After shaping and compaction, experience has shown that the fog seal may be considered optional, depending on job specifications. The end result is a densely compacted road base with consistent and uniform strength, achieved with less time and effort than was previously possible with the traditional procedure. The use of liquid calcium chloride blends  has been used for many years. Injecting the calcium chloride into the material as it's being processed is directly attributable to the results achieved.  Solutions of calcium chloride have a stronger moisture film than plain water. This enhances the lubrication effect produced by the liquid and allows the aggregate components to slide more easily against one another during compaction, resulting in a stronger, more compact base. Calcium chloride solutions  strongly resist evaporation. This works to maintain optimum moisture content in the road base. Dust problems are virtually eliminated. The potential for surface deterioration during staged construction is minimized or eliminated, so the stabilized road can be kept open for local traffic prior to final paving. The longer a road bed lays, the stronger and more stable it becomes. In the past, a loss of surface moisture would often lead to raveling and deterioration of the road base before paving.