Evaluation of Premature Failures of Asphalt Pavement Crack Sealing Bands

Abstract

Compared to conventional hot-applied asphalt sealant, the new cold-applied crack seal bands have outstanding advantages such as high installation efficiency, fewer secondary failures, and more environmentally friendly. However, some new failure modes happen during field application. Based on field investigation and laboratory testing, the short-term and long-term failure modes of seal bands were identified in this study. The laboratory testing methods were then developed to evaluate the short-term or premature failures and explore the causes of the short-term failures of installation failure or bending, unevenness, and stripping. The strategies to prevent and reduce the short-term failures of crack sealing bands were recommended regarding material selection and construction control.