Chip Seal Best Practices

Course Synopsis:

This course material consists of the NCHRP Synthesis 342 as issued by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies. The quiz author is J. Cloyce Darnell, P.E.

Seal coating is also commonly called “surface treatment” or “chip seal.” Regardless of its name, seal coating involves the process of spraying asphalt cement followed by an application of cover aggregate. A chip seal furnishes, among other things, protection to the asphalt layer from tire damage and a macrotexture that creates a skid-resistant surface on which vehicles may safely pass. Its main purpose is to seal the fine cracks in a pavement’s surface and prevent water intrusion into the base and subgrade.

This Synthesis of best chip seal practices is a product of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and the Transportation Research Board. It provides an overview of successful chip seal practices in the United States, Canada, and overseas. It offers engineers, contractors, and inspectors the guidance and methods to design, specify, produce, and inspect quality chip-seal roads. All engineers who write specifications, design, or perform construction inspection for chip seals will benefit from this course.

Course Objectives:

This course teaches the following specific engineering knowledge and skills regarding Chip Seal Best Practices for:

• Pavement selection, design, and material selection

• Contract administration, warranties, and performance measures

• Construction of chip seals

• Chip seal equipment, quality assurance, and quality control

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