Learn the proper treatment depth, drainage, surface profile, and topcoat treatments, as well as the basics of full-depth reclamation projects.
Treatment Depth
The biggest factor to keep in mind when choosing the treatment depth for paved roads is the traffic weight and volume that will travel on the surface. You have three options when choosing a treatment depth:
1. Light Traffic
For light-duty traffic, such as residential roads that see mostly passenger vehicles, apply Perma-Zyme to a depth of at least three inches.
2. Regular Traffic
For areas that see regular traffic from medium to heavy weight vehicles, such farming roads or rural roads with consistent semi truck traffic, treat to a depth of at least six inches.
3. Heavy Traffic
For heavy industrial areas that see only extremely heavy weight traffic, such as mining or logging vehicles, treat to a depth of nine to 12 inches.
The treatment depth can change how to compact the soil. See the APPLICATION PROCEDURE article for instructions on compacting the soil.
Failure to treat the road to the proper depth during application can result in failures. Customers should contact their sales rep for questions regarding the depth of their application.
Drainage
Prior to construction, project owners must consider drainage. If not, water will stand on the road and expedite surface wear. We recommend that forming ditches along the shoulders that are lower than the road. These ditches will encourage water to flow away from the surface, helping elongate its lifespan.
Surface Profile
To have proper drainage, the surface must be shaped properly. It is necessary for proper functioning and also to ensure a long pavement life and prevent safety issues such as standing water or flooding.
A slight crown running at the centerline will force water to move toward the ditches. We recommend following proper transportation department guidelines for the region and that the profile not be so steep as to cause traffic issues.
On turns, the surface must be higher at the outside edge. This will force the water to drain to the inside of the turn.
Topcoat Treatments
Because Perma-Zyme offers a strong and resilient subbase, users can often apply one to two inches of chipseal on top of the Perma-Zyme treated soil, providing the look and feel of a paved road at a fraction of the cost.
To apply chipseal, treat the soil according to the APPLICATION PROCEDURE article. Wait at least three days for the treated soil to cure. Then, spray a mixture of one part Perma-Zyme to 10,000 parts water (1:10,000) over the road’s surface to help the chipseal adhere to the soil. Finally, apply the chipseal.
Chipseal is not ideal for all applications. It is most successful in low-traffic, rural areas with populations of less than 25 people per square mile.
Asphalt is a traditional topcoat for paved roads. The depth of the asphalt often varies depending on the traffic, subbase, and native soil; a professional engineer will recommend the appropriate depth.
To apply asphalt on top of a Perma-Zyme treated subbase, treat the soil according to the APPLICATION PROCEDURE article. Wait at least three days for the treated soil to cure. Then, spray a mixture of one part Perma-Zyme to 10,000 parts water (1:10,000) over the road’s surface to help the asphalt adhere to the soil. Finally, apply the asphalt.
For application questions, contact Substrata or a professional road engineer.
Concrete is an occasional topcoat for paved roads. The depth of the concrete often varies depending on the traffic, subbase, and native soil; a professional engineer will recommend the appropriate depth.
To apply concrete on top of a Perma-Zyme treated subbase, treat the soil according to the APPLICATION PROCEDURE article. Wait at least three days for the treated soil to cure. Then, spray a mixture of one part Perma-Zyme to 10,000 parts water (1:10,000) over the road’s surface to help the concrete adhere to the soil. Finally, apply the concrete.
For application questions, please contact Substrata or a professional engineer.
Full Depth Reclamation Projects
Full-depth reclamation is the process of using a reclaimer (also called a pulverizer or soil stabilizer) to pulverize an existing paved road, then using the recycled pavement and soil to construct a new road in the same location. Using Perma-Zyme on full-depth reclamation projects increases the subbase strength and reduces the need to import or export other material.
When performing full-depth reclamation projects, dig deep enough into the native soil to meet the minimum treatment depth requirements for Perma-Zyme (see TREATMENT DEPTH above).
Full-depth reclamations must follow the application procedures for paved roads and meet the Perma-Zyme soil requirements (see SOIL REQUIREMENTS). If the soil is incompatible, you may need to import clay or another compatible material to ensure that Perma-Zyme will cure properly. However, importing this material is often still more cost-effective than importing and stabilizing traditional fill material.
