RSTA Case Studies
Klaruw Systems: Asset maintenance of key Welsh Coastal Route
The North Wales Trunk Road Agency (NWTRA) has been using Klaruwtex19-(K190) controlled mechanical retexturing for 4 years as part of cyclical procedures for maintaining road surface skid resistance on the A55 North Wales Coast Road including sections through the A55 tunnels: the 660m Penmaenbach tunnel, the Pen-y-Clip 930m hard rock tunnel and the 1060 Conway Estuary crossing and other trunks in the region.
Hefin Lloyd Jones, A55 Route Manager for NWTRA, said: “The technique provides a method of extending the life of existing surface courses by restoring skid resistance rather than replacing with an inlay or overlay. Results from our SCRIM tests show an improvement in skid resistance following Klaruw’s retexturing process”. NWRTA has observed that in addition to improving micro-texture the K190 process, depending on the type of surface being treated, can also improve macro-texture. Improvements in skid resistance last for up to three or more years.
Operational safety was a further benefit. “The treatment involved two vehicles working in echelon with two road-sweepers behind removing arisings with operatives remaining in the vehicles making it a relatively safe procedure within Chapter 8 traffic management
The K190 retexturing process has also provided favourable Whole Life Costings. Rehabilitating the existing surface without using remedial materials eliminated the costs and carbon footprint of quarrying, processing, transport and heat-reliant applications of overlay solutions as well as the disposal of worn overlay. K190 retexturing can be repeated several times on structural pavements, significantly extending service live before resurfacing needs to be considered.
For further information: www.klaruw.com
