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Field Observations of Resin Based Dust Suppressants

A report to:

JMG Enterprises, Inc.

August, 2001

Background

Members from the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies have recently visited three sites where JMG has used resin based dust suppressants and/or stabilization agents. The observations below are of New Millport Road, Knox Township, Clearfield County, T433.

New Millport Road

New Millport Road is located in Knox Township, Clearfield County. New Millport Road was reclaimed in the fall of 1999 (8/31/99). Historically, the section of road being treated had suffered from rutting due to poor drainage and damage from ATV activities. Just prior to the reclamation, a partially successful road maintenance project had been carried out along the same strength of road. The road was again rapidly deteriorating as the result of the use of an overly coarse material as the road surface. For this project a layer of finer aggregate was brought in and blended into the road surface to a depth of 5-6”using a reclaimer. After reclaiming, two applications of the dust palliative at the rate of ½ gal./sq. yd were applied. The road was then graded and rolled. A final topcoat of ¼ gal./sq. yd. was then applied. Except as noted below there as been little maintenance performed on the road since the reclamation.

The road was evaluated on July 3, 2001. Figure 6 (a-e) shows photographs of typical sections of the road taken during this inspection. Large sections of the road were still in very good shape, even after 2 ½ years with little or no maintenance. Little dust was observed from passing vehicles even though it was a hot dry day. Figure 7 (a-c) show a road surface that is still tightly bonded and the road surface is still in excellent shape 2 ½ years after reclaiming. Even when large pieces of aggregate 4-6” in diameter, the surface has apparently remained knitted into a cohesive, well-bonded structure. Loose material on the surface of the road is apparently anti-skid remaining from winter operations. The potholes are developing in areas where there was not an adequate crown in the road or in other areas of poor drainage, Figure 8 (a-c). In particular, areas near driveways or other features that discharge water onto the road seems to be particularly badly degraded.

In summary, even after ~2 ½ years with little or no maintenance New Millport Road is still quite serviceable. The majority of the loose material observed on the road is apparently anti-skid from winter operations. The road is deteriorating in areas that suffer from poor drainage. The worst areas seem to be occurring in sections where water is being discharged directly onto the road surface from driveways, etc. One can only speculate as to what shape the road might be in if the manufacturer recommendations for annual maintenance were followed.

Electron microscopy examinations of Ultra Bond 2000^TM were performed by the Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies at Penn State University.
The results have shown that Ultra Bond 2000^TM coats the aggregate surfaces, forming "bridges" between the grains. This develops strength in the cured composite material.


PA State Forestry and D & G Road Studies will continue to monitor the effectiveness of JMG Enterprises dust suppressant on a stretch of road in Union County. Below are the results of a "sweep sample" performed on two 1' square sections. The jars in between the samples are from the buffer sections where no product was applied.


In commemoration of the 2000 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence presented to the Task Force on Dirt & Gravel Roads, JMG Enterprises, Inc is recognized for it’s important contribution at the December 2000 ceremony held in the Commonwealth’s capitol.



Field Observations of Resin Based Dust Suppressants A report to: JMG Enterprises, Inc. August, 2001 Background Members from the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies have recently visited three sites where JMG has used resin based dust suppressants and/or stabilization agents. The observations below are of New Millport Road, Knox Township, Clearfield County, T433. New Millport Road New Millport Road is located in Knox Township, Clearfield County. New Millport Road was reclaimed in the fall of 1999 (8/31/99). Historically, the section of road being treated had suffered from rutting due to poor drainage and damage from ATV activities. Just prior to the reclamation, a partially successful road maintenance project had been carried out along the same strength of road. The road was again rapidly deteriorating as the result of the use of an overly coarse material as the road surface. For this project a layer of finer aggregate was brought in and blended into the road surface to a depth of 5-6”using a reclaimer. After reclaiming, two applications of the dust palliative at the rate of ½ gal./sq. yd were applied. The road was then graded and rolled. A final topcoat of ¼ gal./sq. yd. was then applied. Except as noted below there as been little maintenance performed on the road since the reclamation. The road was evaluated on July 3, 2001. Figure 6 (a-e) shows photographs of typical sections of the road taken during this inspection. Large sections of the road were still in very good shape, even after 2 ½ years with little or no maintenance. Little dust was observed from passing vehicles even though it was a hot dry day. Figure 7 (a-c) show a road surface that is still tightly bonded and the road surface is still in excellent shape 2 ½ years after reclaiming. Even when large pieces of aggregate 4-6” in diameter, the surface has apparently remained knitted into a cohesive, well-bonded structure. Loose material on the surface of the road is apparently anti-skid remaining from winter operations. The potholes are developing in areas where there was not an adequate crown in the road or in other areas of poor drainage, Figure 8 (a-c). In particular, areas near driveways or other features that discharge water onto the road seems to be particularly badly degraded. In summary, even after ~2 ½ years with little or no maintenance New Millport Road is still quite serviceable. The majority of the loose material observed on the road is apparently anti-skid from winter operations. The road is deteriorating in areas that suffer from poor drainage. The worst areas seem to be occurring in sections where water is being discharged directly onto the road surface from driveways, etc. One can only speculate as to what shape the road might be in if the manufacturer recommendations for annual maintenance were followed. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Figure 6 (a-e) – Views of New Millport road taken on July 3, 2001.

(a) (b) (c) Figure 7 (a-c) – Close-ups of the surface of New Millport road taken on July 3, 2001. (a) (b) (c) Figure 8 (a-c) – Close ups of the surface of New Millport Road showing severe deterioration. Figure 8 (a - c) are areas that have been patched using cold patch.