What are the most effective methods for repairing potholes in asphalt pavements?

In my opinion selecting the most effective method depends on factors such as the size of the pothole, traffic conditions, climate, and budget constraints. Conducting a thorough assessment of the road's condition is crucial to determine the appropriate repair method. Some popular methods are 1. Cold Mix Asphalt Patching Ready-to-use cold mix asphalt is applied directly into the pothole it is suitable for quick, temporary repairs and can be used in colder weather. 2. Hot Mix Asphalt Patching Involves heating the asphalt mix before applying it to the pothole it is suitable for larger or more permanent pothole fixes. 3. Infrared Asphalt Repair Infrared technology is used to heat the existing asphalt around the pothole, making it workable.

Any repair solution should be based on the type of pothole to be repaired. It should not be a one size fits all plan and the reasons differ for every pothole. You cannot treat a pothole caused by a delamination issue at 40mm, with the same repair process as a subgrade failure pothole.

Effective pothole repair in asphalt depends on factors like size, traffic, budget, and weather. Small potholes can be quickly fixed with cold patching in low-traffic areas, while larger potholes in high-traffic zones require durable hot mix asphalt. Tailoring the solution to the budget is crucial, with cold patching being cost-effective and suitable for limited budgets. Consideration of traffic conditions and weather is essential, as cold patching is flexible in colder temperatures, while hot mix asphalt needs warmer weather for proper application. The choice of the most effective repair method should be adapted based on these considerations for a cost-effective and durable solution.

Tradicionalmente é feito o tapa-buraco com recortes em maquina de policorte do asfalto avariado, recuperação da base desse pavimento, que muitas vezes exige troca de solo, agulhamento com rachão, reforço de solo com cimento ou material pétreo, feita a pintura de ligação / imprimação e aplicada nova camada de asfalto no buraco. Outra forma também possível é a utilização de asfalto frio em sacos, que é mais prática e rápida, porém mais cara e depende da compra de sacos de asfalto frio (que não podem ser estocados por muito tempo) e rolos ou placas compactadoras.

Most potholes are repaired with the quick fix method that makes the road safe again, but it is only a temporary repair. Often the areas around isolated potholes fail due to the affected area not being just the visible hole, and further treatment is required soon after. To repair all potholes "properly" would be a substantial cost and often intermediate fixes allow the road to be safely reopened until a full repair can be carried out. Cutting square joints, tack/bond coats, hot compacted material and overbanding to stop further water ingress should always be utilised to give the repair a chance to remain in situ.

Loss of bitumen in the existing surface is often a cause of asphalt failure leading to potholes. Infra red or thermal patching works best when the original failed or failing asphalt is recycled by reapplying a bituminous material first then adding fresh material to the mix and compacting together. The heat introduced in the process allow the material to be seamlessly integrated into the road surface. This removes the need to overband.

Fundamental avaliar os custos dos métodos, o prazo que de durabilidade que quer ter do serviço, se temporário, emergencial ou de maior durabilidade. Outro ponto é o prazo de execução necessário, se urgente ou se pode aguardar uma contratação ou avaliação mais detalhada. O risco ao tráfego e o impacto ambiental também são fatores a serem considerados, juntamente com a análise se vale a pena de fato realizar um tapa-buraco ou se já necessária uma intervenção maior de recapeamento ou novo pavimento.

Considero que tapa-buraco é algo realmente paliativo e emergencial. No Brasil isso virou um método já aceitável quando não deveria. Muitas rodovias recém entregues já possuem problemas e assim necessidade de remendos inaceitáveis para uma obra em garantia técnica ainda. Que possamos cobrar mais que cada empresa entregue o real produto contratado com a qualidade esperado e paga pelo cliente.