ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPPLEMENTAL MAINTENANCE EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH PROGRAM (SMERP)

Abstract

The Supplemental Maintenance Effectiveness Research Program (SMERP) was designed to study the effectiveness of maintenance treatments typically used in Texas. Six maintenance treatments and a control section were applied at 20 locations throughout the state. Treatments included: asphalt rubber chip seal, polymer modified emulsion chip seal, latex modified asphalt chip seal, asphalt chip seal, microsurfacing treatment, and a fog seal section. Researchers inspected the sites annually for the next eight years. This project provides statistically valid guidance on the performance of the various maintenance treatments for the key variables of initial condition, type of distress, and type of treatment so that the user can select the most appropriate treatment. The documentation will take the form of a manual that describes the expected performance, life extension, and recommendations on timing.