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PPC Process
PPC stands for Preparation, Patching, and Compact. The PPC process falls under the semi-permanent category of the pothole repair process. This is widely considered the best solution when it comes to pothole patching because of its low time, low cost requirements, high reliability and longevity. The PPC process, if performed correctly, will allow your organization to fix potholes right the first time and hopefully eliminate those repeat visits to the same problematic areas.
Preparation
Clean the repair area of any debris, and dry out any moisture. This can be done with a broom, blower, and a hand held utility torch. Not always required, but definitely recommended would be applying a tack coat.
Patching
Apply hotmix asphalt into the repair area. It is vital to make sure your material is applied at the recommended temperature which is typically between 300-350 degrees F. Material applied below the recommended temperature will not yield the same results.
Compact
Compaction is KEY. Once material is placed in the pothole you will want to compact the area flush with the surrounding area. Ideal compaction takes place with a plate compactor, or some type of roller, but a hand tamp will work if that is what is available.
WHAT PATCH MATERIAL IS BEST?
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is an asphalt material that consist of aggregate, sand, and binder (asphalt cement). HMA is purchased by the ton from your local asphalt plant. HMA will come from the plant at a temperature of 325-350 degrees F. To be effective as a pothole repair material hot mix asphalt MUST be applied to the pothole at the recommended temperature of 325-350 degrees F. In most areas HMA availability is seasonal (April-November) due to winter weather.
Cost
$60-80/Ton
Cold Patch Asphalt
Cold patch is an emulsion based asphalt material that can be purchased in 50lb bags or in bulk purchases from local suppliers. Although cold patch can be applied to a pothole at ambient temps, it is usually recommended that you maintain cold patch material temps between 80-90 degree F. Cold patch is considered by most to be a temporary repair only used in emergency situations or when HMA is unavailable.
Cost
$125-150/Ton
The Importance of HOT Mix Asphalt
As soon as you pick up plant mix asphalt from the plant in an unheated dump truck or trailer, that mix starts loosing heat immediately. So the mix that was dropped at 325-350 degrees F from the plant has cooled to 250 degrees F by the time you get to the jobsite and continues to loose heat throughout the day. What most municipal crews have come to accept as standard practice is buying 4 tons of asphalt just to keep 2 tons "warm" and then discard the remaining 2 tons as waste. When material that is not at the recommended temperature is used for pothole patching the results will not be as successful. But with the right equipment you can not only maintain HMA temps for up to 2 days but also reheat material that has gone unused and eliminate all all wasted asphalt.
