Learn the seven steps to apply Perma-Zyme to paved projects, and get tips to help you have the most successful application possible.
Step Overview
Below are step-by-step instructions of how to apply Perma-Zyme to paved roads. Although all soils, projects, and construction techniques are different, these instructions give a general overview of how to apply Perma-Zyme.
Step 1: Rip Up the Soil
The first step in the application process is to rip up the soil and existing pavement using the reclaimer. At this point, the goal is to break up the pavement and bring up the fresh soil from under the surface.
The depth at which you rip the soil will depend on the treatment depth, i.e. if the treatment depth is six inches, rip the soil to a depth of six inches.
Before ripping the soil, remove topsoil and/or vegetation from the surface.
Step 2: Presoak the Soil
Next, presoak the soil to around 80% of its optimum moisture before applying Perma-Zyme. The amount of water you need to presoak the soil will differ by job, so the process below is for general guidance.
Saturate the top of the soil with water. Then, use the grader to form windrows and push them from one side of the treatment area to the other. At the same time, keep applying water to the soil. As the windrow forms, slowly increase the depth, but do not exceed the desired treatment depth.
As you apply water and move the windrows back and forth, constantly check the soil’s moisture content by using the hand test to ensure it is not becoming too wet.
Step 3: Apply Perma-Zyme and Bring Soil Up to Optimum Moisture
Once the windrowed soil reaches about 80% of its optimum moisture, spread the soil evenly over the surface area to prepare for the Perma-Zyme application.
Fill the water truck with water first, then add the necessary amount of Perma-Zyme and mix it with an on-board pump or by driving the water truck for 15-20 minutes. Spray the Perma-Zyme and water mixture evenly over the surface. The soil should now be very close to optimum moisture.
Now, reform the windrows and move them from one side of the area to the other to thoroughly mix the Perma-Zyme into the soil and coat its particles so they can bond together.
Depending on the soil and climate conditions, the soil may begin to dry while you mix the Perma-Zyme into it. If so, apply more water.
Step 4: Shape the Surface
Once you thoroughly mix the water and Perma-Zyme into the soil, begin shaping the road. As the DESIGN PARAMETERS article notes, we recommend constructing paved roads with a crown to ensure that water will properly shed off
the surface.
If at any point during this time the soil begins to dry, immediately apply more water.
Step 5: Compact the Soil (Padfoot Compactor)
Compaction is the next step. If a padfoot compactor is available, begin compacting the surface with the vibratory function turned on. Slowly operate the padfoot compactor up and down the surface while overlapping each path about 25% to ensure maximum compaction. Use the padfoot compactor until the surface is approximately 80% compacted.
If a padfoot compactor is not available, fill a water truck or front end loader and slowly drive over the treated area. This process is called “wheelpacking.” When wheelpacking, drive slowly and overlap the tire tracks to ensure the soil reaches maximum compaction.
Step 5 Continued: Compact the Soil (Smooth Wheel Compactor)
Once the soil reaches approximately 80% compaction, begin using the smooth wheel compactor with the vibratory function turned on. Operate the smooth wheel compactor slowly over the area, overlapping the previous path to ensure that you compact the soil’s entire surface. Once the soil is thoroughly compacted, turn off the vibratory function and perform a few final passes with the smooth wheel compactor.
If at any point during compaction the soil begins to dry, immediately apply more water to maintain optimum moisture.
If the treatment depth exceeds six inches, you will need to compact the soil in multiple six-inch lifts to ensure thorough compaction. Failure to compact soil properly could cause the application to fail.
Step 6: Let the Soil Dry
Upon completing compaction, the treated area needs time to cure fully before paving and allowing traffic. We recommend no traffic on the treated surface for at least 24 hours. In the event the application cannot allow for that, only allow light traffic traveling at slower-than-normal speeds for the first 72 hours. “Light” means vehicles weighing 30,000 pounds or less. After 72 hours, heavy-duty vehicles and traffic can drive on the surface.
If a rainstorm or other weather event deteriorates the surface during the curing period, reapply a mixture of approximately one part Perma-Zyme to 1,000 parts water (1:1,000). Use a grader to reshape the surface, then use a smooth wheel compactor to compact the soil to the appropriate compaction level. Then, allow the repaired area to cure for 72 hours before reopening it to normal traffic.
Step 7: Apply the Soil Pavement Topcoat
After the Perma-Zyme treated subbase cures for at least three days, you can apply the pavement topcoat using the instructions below:
1. Use a grader to ensure there is no loose soil or gravel on the surface of the roadway.
2. Using a water truck, apply a dilution of Perma-Zyme to 10,000 parts water 1:10,000) to the surface.
3. Immediately apply the topcoat per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Paving too early, without allowing adequate time for the subbase to dry, can lead to improper curing and non-performance of Perma-Zyme.