Chip seals are often applied to asphalt pavements to add skid resistance to the surface and increase the durability of the road. Many transportation agencies have found that adding crumb rubber to the mixture can increase performance, but the high temperatures required for application can pose a potential safety hazard for maintenance crews.
To achieve the desired performance results at a lower application temperature, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development conducted a research project to evaluate a modified asphalt emulsion using recycled tire rubber. With a cooler application temperature, the tire rubber emulsion may be a worker-friendly alternative to crumb rubber.
Read the report: Evaluation of Asphalt Rubber and Reclaimed Tire Rubber in Chip Seal Applications, April 2022.
Image source: Louisiana DOT