The problem of automobile and truck tires leaving scuff marks on new asphalt pavement is a problem that crops up every summer, most particularly during long stretches of hot humid weather.
The problem is generally of a temporary and superficial nature. Tire scuffing generally only affects the top 1/16” to 3/16” of the pavement surface. It is always caused by a fairly concentrated maneuver or rotation of a tire in a stationary or braking mode.
There are several conditions under which the degree of tire scuffing will vary. They are as follows:
- THE AGE OF THE PAVEMENT – The newer the pavement, the softer the asphalt binder which holds the aggregate together. As the pavement ages with time (generally within two years) the asphalt binder near the surface becomes harder and practically resists all tire scuffing. The initial softness is a good property for the pavement to have as this aids in the overall durability of the pavement.
- THE TIME OF THE YEAR – The scuffing on a pavement that is placed in the fall of the year which doesn’t have the opportunity to become very hot and susceptible to scuffing will tend to harden more over the winter months and be less susceptible to scuffing than a pavement that is placed in the early spring where the asphalt cement is newer and has not had a chance yet to age harden under the severe winter conditions as much as those placed in the fall.
- HEAT INTENSITY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS – Sustained periods of sunshine can heat the pavement to a range of 140 ° to 160 °. Combined with very humid weather, the asphalt cement in a new pavement will become almost fluid, making your pavement more susceptible to tire scuffing. Again, as the pavement hardens with age, this condition will decrease.
- TIRES – The type of tire can significantly affect the scuffing, as well. Steel belted radial tires will scuff more than standard bias ply tires. The tread design can also affect it. A coarse cleat design in the tire tread with significant spaces between tread lines can provide the opportunity to get a firm grip on a new pavement. Aggressive tire tread patterns (off road tires) on trucks, SUV’s and other heavy vehicles will make significant marks.
- VEHICULAR OPERATION – Probably the most significant factor affecting tire scuffing is the mode of operation that the vehicle user places on the pavement. Stationary 90 ° to 180 ° turns with a vehicle that has power steering, can make a substantial scuff on a new pavement. A sharp turning maneuver, at the same time braking is occurring, can do significant scuffing as well. Once again, trucks, SUV’s and other heavy and long-wheel-base vehicles make significant marks.
CONCLUSION – Tire scuffing on new asphalt pavements is generally minor, and while it may look severe on brand new pavement, one would have a difficult time actually finding these locations one to two years into the life of the pavement. Understanding what contributes to this problem and taking some care to avoid its occurrence will go a long way to minimizing it, or eliminating it altogether. The new asphalt must go through hot and cold weather before the tire scuffing will disappear. Remember all new asphalt in most cases should scuff in some way otherwise the material is too hard. If you are still unclear about tire scuffing, please contact us with any of your questions.
|
