Pavement Preservation Journal - Summer 2011 - (Page 41) ‘Seal/No Seal’ Group Research Gains Momentum I n the 20 months since the development of the Seal/No Seal Group its accomplishments are beginning to make a difference. From the involvement of industry associations and departments of transportation, to expanded research and testing, the group has seen rapid acceleration in the interest of the value of sealing concrete pavement joints. The Seal/No Seal Group provides the pavement industry with a voice and representation committed to quantify the long-term effectiveness of joint sealants in concrete pavement. “We are excited to see so much happen in a short period of time,” said group co-chair Scott Eilken. “The industry has responded with overwhelming interest and support. We look forward to providing the industry with conclusive results from our exhaustive research.” The Seal/No Seal Group’s achievements to-date include: • Development of a committed and active membership base willing to work together to defend and advance the industry. • Engagement with key industry associations including the International Grooving & Grinding Association and the American Concrete Pavement Association. • Establishment of a website, www. sealnoseal.org, which acts as a • • • • • • • vehicle to communicate industry news, committee research findings and other information in support of the industry. Coverage in more than 10 different publications detailing the ongoing testing of the effectiveness of joint sealants. Enlisting a consultant to reevaluate 58 of the 93 original Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) seal/no seal test sections, extending the initial performance period by approximately 40 percent over the original FHWA Effectiveness of Sealing Transverse Contraction Joints in Concrete Pavements Study. Encouraging four state DOTs to conduct evaluations of their existing seal/no seal test sections. Partnering with roadway owners to construct 10 new sealant test sections. Hiring Texas Transportation Institute to conduct research on the “Effect of Joint Sealant Condition on Moisture Infiltration and Erosion Potential.” Partnering with American Concrete Pavement Association’s Southwest Chapter to address the Seal/No Seal issue initiated by Caltrans. Participating on technical panels concerning joint distress providing industry experience and knowledge to ensure proper and verifiable results are reported. The Seal/No Seal Group provides the pavement industry with a voice and representation committed to quantify the long-term effectiveness of joint sealants in concrete pavement. • Engaging with Purdue University to support their research efforts in search of the cause for premature joint deterioration. • Making presentations at key industry workshops and seminars to report on the activities and findings of the Seal/No Seal Group. • Evaluating and developing “best practices” recommendations related to sealing, and collectively working together to develop specifications that will ensure high quality workmanship in the field. • Enlisting a consultant to develop testing procedures to determine cleanliness, dryness and adhesion when sealing joints. • Investigation of the effects of incompressibles in joints and their impact on roadway structures. • Investigation of the impact of no seal jointing systems on environmental issues such as fuel and hazardous materials spills on pavement, and • Representation on key Transportation Research Board committees and panels. The Seal/No Seal Group continues in its research efforts to determine the long-term effectiveness of sealants in concrete pavements. “Our role is to continue to gather the necessary information to help owners make informed decisions that will ensure long-term effectiveness and best use of their concrete pavements,” said Eilken. To become involved, call cochairs Scott Eilken at (708)728-1895, or Charley Grady at (602)363-5519, or email info@sealnoseal.org. All are invited to join and participate in the research. More information on the Seal/ No Seal Group and its efforts can be found at www.sealnoseal.org. Summer 2011 pavement preservation journal 41 http://www.sealnoseal.org http://www.sealnoseal.org http://www.sealnoseal.org Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pavement Preservation Journal - Summer 2011 Pavement Preservation Journal - Summer 2011 Contents President’s Message Scrub Seal Using RAP, Premium Emulsion Serves Busy Interstate Thin-Lift Warm Mix Uses RAP, Shingles Granulated Tire Rubber Provides ‘Thermal Blanket’ in Concrete Applications Cape Seal, Micro Surfacing Improve Runway, Pavements on Lake Erie Island ‘Next Generation Concrete Surface’ Suppresses Noise Preservation ‘Road Trip’ Leads to Nashville 2012 News Briefs ARRA, ISSA, AEMA ‘Bail Out Main Street’ at Annual Joint Meeting ‘Expanded’ Asphalt for CIP Recycling Texas Center Studies Prime Coat Weathering Midwest Partnership Establishes Priorities Southeast Partnership Studies Contractor Certification New Rocky Mountain West Preservation Partnership Off to a Strong Start ‘Seal/No Seal’ Group Research Gains Momentum Calendar of Events News Briefs Index to Advertisers / Advertisers.com Pavement Preservation Journal - Summer 2011 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0412 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0312 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0212 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0112 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0411 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0311 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0211 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0111 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0410 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0310 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0210 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0110 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0409 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0309 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0209 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/FPPQ0109 http://www.nxtbookMEDIA.com