Cost-Effectiveness of Joint and Crack Sealing: Synthesis of Practice

Abstract

The sealing and resealing of joints and cracks in pavements is assumed to be an important component of pavement maintenance. If performed effectively and timely, sealing may retard pavement deterioration and prolong pavement life. Historically, sealing and resealing has been an accepted practice by state highway agencies (SHAs) but this practice has recently been challenged by research. Additionally, studies that provide a clear quantitative defense that joint/crack sealing is cost effective are few in number and limited in scope. Millions of dollars are spent annually by SHAs to accomplish joint and crack sealing with no quantitative evidence to justify the expenditure. The sealing operations are conducted simply because the “industry” assumes the benefits of sealing outweigh the costs. The objective of this research was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of joint/crack sealing specifically in relation to pavement performance. This report represents a synthesis of practice (extensive literature review and survey of practice) used for determining whether further research was needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of crack/joint sealing in Indiana. Ultimately, it led to the development of a comprehensive field study that the Indiana Department of Transportation is sponsoring.