The emergence of Novachip as a viable and economic addition to the road maintenance toolbox now allows local municipalities to reap the benefits that, until recently, had only been experienced on Interstate projects. Novachip is produced in a conventional hot mix plant using PG graded asphalt binders. These asphalt binders can be modified with polymer to meet traffic conditions. The hot mix is an open graded stone on stone matrix mix made with high quality, low polish aggregates that have to meet very strict gradation requirements. All of the components of the mix undergo extensive testing to ensure compliance with a specified mix design. The hot mix is delivered by conventional dump trucks to the specialized Novachip paver. The Novapaver applies both the Novabond (a polymer modified emulsion) and the hot mix.
The Novabond is applied to the properly prepared road surface at an application rate of approximately two tenths of a gallon per square yard (0.20 gal/sy). The hot mix is then introduced to the Novabond within ten seconds creating a reaction between the hot mix (approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit) and the water based emulsion. The heat of the hot mix draws the emulsion up through the open graded mix and evaporates the water component of the Novabond. The polymer residue is left in the bottom one-third of the hot mix creating a very tight bond to the existing road. This helps prevent water from entering the existing road. The top two thirds of the mix remains an open and porous mix which helps prevent water from collecting on the surface. Typical application rates for Novachip average between 70 and 85 pounds per square yard (average of 5/8th to 3/4th inch depth).
Compaction for the material is typically accomplished using a minimum of one steel wheel roller (ten ton minimum weight) operated in static mode. The vibratory mode may be used occasionally in areas of hand work where the screed has not been used. The Novachip paver utilizes a hopper similar to conventional pavers to receive the hot mix. The mix is then conveyed to the screed by the use of screw augers, thereby minimizing segregation of material. The paver has a storage tank for the polymer modified emulsion and a variable width heated vibratory screed. Paving speeds are significantly higher than conventional pavers, ranging from 60 to 100 feet per minute. Novachip can be placed on any bituminous or concrete road as long as they are structurally sound and properly prepared. Structurally unsound areas should be repaired and cracks wider than 1/4th inch should be sealed with a rubberized crack sealant. An additional benefit encountered when preparing a roadway for Novachip is that minimal joint or curb milling is required. The minimal lift thickness of the overlay has a small effect on this and other utility adjustments.
One of the most important advantages of the Novachip system is the speed in which it is applied and the resulting minimal disruption that is experienced by residents and motorists. The obvious advantage is in the ground speed of the Novachip paver. However, an additional benefit is that the area of disruption caused by the paving operation can be relatively small. Since there is no tack coat placed in front of the paving train, traffic (both pedestrian and vehicle) can move unimpeded in front of the train without tracking oil into adjacent streets, curbs, sidewalks and homes. The use of a vibratory screed on the Novachip paver acts as the breakdown roller and the static roller acts as a finish roller. Therefore, a rolling vehicle can cross the fresh mat between the screed and roller without causing significant material displacement. Typically, unrestricted traffic can be returned to the fresh surface within one half hour. The Novachip process can be one of the most effective surface treatments for high volume, high speed roads such as interstates, where quick return to traffic is important. In addition, the thin lift eliminates the need for expensive safety alterations to guide rail, shoulders, bridge overpasses, and signage. Densely populated areas also benefit from the application speed of Novachip, minimizing disruption to businesses and residents as well as the benefits of an ultrathin application.
E. J. Breneman, L.P. has placed over 10.3 million square yards of the Novachip system in over seventeen states throughout the United States. That is equivalent to over 1100 lane miles of roadway. When you need a quick economical tool, choose Novachip to help in the battle to get in, get out and stay out!
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