Field investigation and laboratory evaluation of asphalt pavement crack seal band

Crack sealing and filling are two of the main traditional techniques of asphalt pavement preventive maintenance. However, these techniques have the shortcomings of low operating efficiency and poor performance such as secondary cracking and edge failure. In this paper, the investigation results of field performance of crack seal band are presented. The seal band is a promising material of crack repair because it results in fewer secondary cracks and greater operating efficiency (two to four times more efficient than crack sealing). However, the field investigation also revealed four major failure modes of seal band, namely, unevenness, cohesion failure, adhesion failure, and pullout that provide the demand to carry out laboratory studies on the properties of seal band material. The following standards are referenced in the studies: (1) standard of hot-applied sealant, (2) standard of building waterproof roll, and (3) standards of related enterprises. Six evaluating test methods are put forward based on the laboratory studies, including: thickness meterage, width meterage, cone penetration test, softening point test, pullout test, and bond test. Fifteen seal band samples are tested in a laboratory evaluation. Based on the field investigation and test results, the technical requirements of different seal bands used in different areas are proposed.