Full-Depth Reclamation/Pulverizing

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) is a roadway recycling process, formerly known as pulverizing, in which all of the pavement and some of the underlying material is pulverized and treated with an additive to produce an improved, stabilized base.

FDR saves money while preserving natural resources by using existing materials and conserving aggregates. The road performance is improved through better stabilization, building a stronger, low-maintenance road that will last for many years.

Use full-depth reclamation for:

• Soil stabilizations jobs
• Soil amendment projects
• Roadways
• Parking lots
• Exisiting projects to be rehabilitated
• Golf course paths
• To be recycled and used as a new aggregate base
• Grade change elevations in existing asphalt installations

Benefits of full-depth reclamation

• Lower construction costs: existing materials are reused
• Environmentally-friendly: materials and energy are conserved and old paving material is reused rather than hauled away and discarded
• Deterioration issues are addressed: removal of full-depth of the road/parking lot eliminates reflective cracking and creates a homogenous cross-section
• Speed: depending on soil type and bit thickness, we can process 18,000 square yards per day and asphalt overlay can be placed within just five days
   

The Full-Depth Reclamation Process

Evaluation
Team Elmer's will first evaluate existing conditions to determine the mix design specific to your project.

Initial Pulverization
After the evaluation, the pulverizing machine will crush and blend the existing pavement and some of the underlying material. This eliminates deep cracks that can ultimately lead to reflective cracking.

Compaction and Initial Grading
Following pulverization, the material will be compacted with a pad foot roller. Initial shaping utilizes our computer-controlled grading equipment. Team Elmer’s can add or remove material to obtain the desired cross-section and surface profile.

Stabilization
Bituminous, chemical or mechanical materials are incorporated if the mix design requires additional stabilization--as determined in our initial evaluation.

Final Blending and Grading
After stabilization, the materials are kneaded with the pad foot roller and graded to the final profile. The base is then sealed with a smooth drum roller. The surface can be paved or chip sealed within five days.

Laboratory testing and monitoring will be performed throughout the entire process. This allows for field adjustments to the project mix design as conditions change.