Discover the Many Benefits of Full-Depth Reclamation

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is revolutionizing asphalt rehabilitation. This innovative technique offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for extending the life of deteriorating roadways. Discover how Byrne & Jones Construction utilizes FDR to provide superior asphalt solutions to our clients.

What is full-depth reclamation?

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is an advanced pavement rehabilitation technique that transforms deteriorated asphalt pavements into strong, durable base courses for new road surfaces. This innovative process involves pulverizing the full depth of the existing asphalt pavement along with a predetermined portion of the underlying base, subbase, or subgrade materials. The resulting mixture is then blended, reshaped, and compacted to create a homogeneous base layer.

Key aspects of FDR include:

Depth of Treatment: FDR typically addresses 4 to 12 inches of the pavement structure, allowing for comprehensive rehabilitation of the roadway.
In-Place Recycling: Unlike traditional methods that require removal and disposal of old materials, FDR recycles existing pavement materials on-site, significantly reducing waste and transportation costs.
Material Enhancement: Depending on project requirements, additional aggregate, chemical stabilizers, or bituminous materials may be incorporated to improve the performance characteristics of the reclaimed layer.

What are the different types of full-depth reclamation?

Mechanical Stabilization: includes the addition of aggregate materials
Chemical Stabilization: includes the addition of lime, cement, or fly ash
Bituminous Stabilization: includes the addition of asphalt based emulsions or foamed asphalt

Intersted in the process of Full Depth Reclamation? Check out this video.

Full-Depth Reclamation being performed in St. Louis, MO.

What are some of the advantages of Full Depth Reclamation?

Cost-Effective

This process has proven to be cost effective as it creates long lasting pavement, leading to less repairs down the road. The FDR process creates a higher load carrying capacity and also reduces moisture susceptibility. The result is a stronger, longer-lasting surface. Combine that with the cost-savings, and Full Depth Reclamation becomes an even more attractive alternative to completely removing and installing a new asphalt surface.

More owners are discovering they can save 30%-50% of total project costs when they let the experts at Byrne & Jones Construction perform the Full Depth Reclamation process on their worn-out asphalt parking lots.

Time-Efficient

Full-Depth Reclamation significantly reduces project timelines compared to traditional reconstruction methods. The in-place recycling process eliminates the need for extensive material removal and replacement, allowing projects to progress rapidly. With specialized equipment, FDR can treat large areas quickly, often completing several miles of roadway in just a few days. This efficiency minimizes traffic disruptions and reduces the overall impact on local communities and businesses. By streamlining the rehabilitation process, FDR enables faster project completion, allowing roads to reopen sooner and reducing labor costs. The time savings provided by FDR translate to both economic benefits for project owners and reduced inconvenience for road users.

Versatility

Full-Depth Reclamation adapts to a wide range of pavement rehabilitation needs. From highways and local roads to parking lots and airport runways, FDR offers a solution for various infrastructure types. This versatility allows project managers to apply a single, efficient technique across diverse projects, streamlining operations and reducing the need for multiple specialized approaches. FDR’s adaptability to different pavement conditions and traffic loads makes it an invaluable tool in any road maintenance arsenal.

Superior Structural Improvement

FDR addresses pavement issues at their core, providing comprehensive structural enhancement. By pulverizing and reconstituting the entire pavement section, including the base layers, FDR corrects deep-seated problems like rutting, cracking, and poor drainage. This thorough approach results in a stronger, more uniform pavement structure capable of withstanding heavy loads and environmental stresses. The improved structural integrity translates to longer-lasting roads, reduced maintenance needs, and enhanced safety for road users.

Highly Customizable Process

Every road rehabilitation project has unique challenges, and FDR offers the flexibility to meet them head-on. The process can be tailored to specific project requirements, allowing engineers to adjust variables such as treatment depth, stabilizer type, and mix design. This customization ensures optimal results for each application, whether it’s increasing load-bearing capacity for heavy traffic routes or enhancing durability in harsh climates. The ability to fine-tune the FDR process results in more efficient use of resources and better long-term performance of the rehabilitated pavement.

Environmentally Friendly

Since this technique uses reclaimed material, it has less of an impact on the environment. Head of Byrne & Jones Construction Asphalt Division, Kevin Klette says, “Instead of having to dig up and remove the old asphalt surface before installing a new one, FDR pulverizes the old surface, compacts it, and then we mix an additive that creates a stronger base for the asphalt mix.” According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, 2.4 million metric tons of CO2e were spared from the atmosphere in 2019 through the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in new mixtures.

This technique allows for the conservation of energy and material. According to Klette, “Full Depth Reclamation offers more than just cost-savings. It helps conserve energy since there’s no need to haul away or import new materials. It saves natural resources and energy since it recycles existing material and it eliminates material disposal concerns, making it a much more environmentally-friendly route to take.”

Full Depth Reclamation requires a variety of specialized equipment that most asphalt paving contractors simply do not have. Byrne & Jones Construction not only has the equipment, but also has the know-how to perform the variety of steps involved throughout the process. If you are interested in seeing Byrne & Jones Construction’s work in person then call and ask about our jobs at Watlow Electric or Ladue Middle School. To schedule a live recycling demo, contact us at 314-254-9766.