Road Pavement Stabilisation is a process that rebuilds worn out road pavements by recycling the existing roadway. Old wearing surfaces and base materials are pulverised using a specialised machine called a Stabiliser (also called a ‘Rotavator’). Water is added to the pulverised material to reach the optimal moisture content for compaction and then a variety of materials, such as dry cement, lime or fly ash may be incorporated (using a Spreader truck). The Stabiliser then mixes all the materials together, and lays the mix down back onto the road. After shaping and grading, the new base is compacted to produce a strong, durable base for either an asphalt or bitumen surface.
Since this method recycles the materials in situ (in position), there is no need to haul in roadbase (unless road shape correction is required) or haul out old material for disposal. The vehicle movements are reduced and there is no need for detours since it can be done under traffic, making this process more convenient for local residents.
The activity known as ‘rotavating’ or ‘pulverising’ refers to the process of munching up the existing pavement with or without additional pavement material and water, but without the addition of cement.