Latest Trends Included in New Guide for Concrete Overlays of Asphalt

The second edition of the RMC Research & Education Foundation’s “Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots” has been released to the public.

The RMC Research & Education Foundation said the second edition builds on the information provided in the first edition “and adds more project case studies, information on the use of microfibers, details the use of laser screed technologies and includes updated reference documentation.”

Simplified approaches to concrete overlays …

Also contained in the newly-released second edition are simplified approaches to identifying the best pavements as candidates for an overlay.

According to the RMC Research & Education Foundation, the second edition was updated by the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center (CP Tech Center).

The CP Tech Center, who also prepared the original edition, relied on the assistance of experts on a Technical Advisory Committee.

"'The Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots' has been an important educational resource for the industry,” said Foundation Chairman Rodney Grogan of Dunn Investment Company. “The step-by-step guide helps designers and owners understand how to implement overlays for a sustainable, durable and economical parking area.”

Dunn said keeping the guide current with the latest technology and advancements was “an easy decision.”

How to get the report ...

The free digital version of “The Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots” is available for download here, on the RMC Research & Education Foundation’s website.

Professionally printed copies of the guide will also be available through the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

Some main takeaways

Concrete overlays over asphalt should be thought of as resurfacing with concrete, according to a training video presented by the RMC Research & Education Foundation.

Overlays of concrete over asphalt can add structural capacity to existing pavement, provide greater light reflectivity and reduce tripping hazards presented by potholes.

They can also improve the appearance of a parking lot and can offer less maintenance as an advantage with less expensive construction costs.

In assessing whether or not a concrete overlay over asphalt is needed, an evaluation of an asphalt parking lot should review the severity of stresses on the existing parking lot.

Many concrete overlays are also now accomplished with laser-guided screeds, with 3D profiling that allow the concrete-overlay process to be completed with ease.