Full depth reclamation is an environmentally responsible approach to rehabilitating existing asphalt roadways. The process involves digging up the asphalt and part of the base material, pulverizing it, and putting it back with additives to create a more stable, longer-lasting road. This technique has numerous advantages, one of which is its cost-effectiveness compared to other types of resurfacing methods. But what does full depth reclamation cost in general, and how do those costs stack up against the alternatives? Read on to learn more to help you budget your project.
What Full Depth Reclamation Typically Includes
Although it may vary depending on the project and the site conditions, generally the full depth reclamation process involves the following steps:
- Site preparation: Any vegetation or standing water on the site is removed, and utility lines are marked to avoid damaging them.
- Milling and pulverization: With the use of a specialized reclaimer machine, the existing asphalt pavement is removed and mixed with some of the underlaying base layer into a homogenous aggregate mixture.
- Stabilization: Additives are mixed into the base to give it greater strength and durability once the road is replaced.
- Compaction and grading: After the mixture is laid back down onto the base, it is graded and compacted using heavy equipment including rollers.
- Finishing and curing: The wearing course is laid on top of the road to provide additional protection and the asphalt is left to cure before it is ready for traffic.
Key Factors that Influence Cost
The cost of full depth reclamation for any given project is dependent on many critical factors. The most impactful of these are:
- Project scale and length: It stands to reason that the longer the work will take to complete, the more it will cost. This makes scale and timeline the largest determining factors in the project’s final price tag.
- Material types and additives: The type of materials required for the work will also influence the cost of the project, as certain types of roadways will need more additives to achieve the strongest results.
- Equipment mobilization and site access: If the project necessitates more-complex access considerations, its cost will be higher than another where getting heavy equipment to the site is easier.
- Soil conditions and moisture: Soil stabilization and moisture control measures may be needed to ensure the highest-quality results, which can add to the cost of the project.
- Labor and crew expertise: Having an experienced crew that knows the process of full depth reclamation helps keep the project on track and prevents costly rework.
Cost Comparison: Full Depth Reclamation vs. Traditional Resurfacing
Full depth reclamation reuses 100 percent of the existing asphalt while also leaving behind a strengthened and more-durable paved surface. The fact that it doesn’t require any new materials means it is a much more cost-effective choice than choosing traditional resurfacing. Not only does the process cut down on the amount of new materials needed to a significant degree, but it also eliminates the costs associated with hauling those new materials to the site as well as hauling away the old asphalt. This is the reason why, depending on the project specifications, full depth reclamation can cost up to 80% less than traditional methods.
Budgeting and Cost-Saving Strategies
Even though full depth reclamation already represents a significant cost savings over other resurfacing techniques, that’s not to say that contractors can’t do more to optimize their budgets. For example, phased implementation and optimized routing of trucks can reduce costs, and proactive moisture management can ensure the resulting roadway will last for as long as possible.
Trust Rock Solid to Deliver Full Depth Reclamation Expertise
Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc., has been a trusted partner for providing full depth reclamation services for years. Our teams understand this process as well as anyone and work hard to ensure everything goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. If you’d like to learn more about what we can bring to your next resurfacing project, reach out and speak to one of our representatives today.