Bridge Engineering Center

About the research

In recent years, various proprietary bio–based fog sealers or rejuvenators have been introduced and marketed as potentially cost–effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum–based sealers for preserving asphalt roads. The RePLAY Agricultural Oil Seal and Preservation Agent, as one such bio–based fog sealer, and its performance, has been evaluated on a 3.3–mile pilot testing section located in Clinton County, Iowa, for five consecutive years (i.e., summer 2016 through summer 2021). This study has important insights about RePLAY and its first–level field implementation in Iowa. However, further research is needed to identify the frequencies and benefits of the reapplication of RePLAY and further evaluate and validate its cost effectiveness. In addition, Clinton County has interested in evaluating the reapplication of RePLAY at the same project site for extending its use on other project sites. This research will be performed in response to such a research need and interest and will be achieved through the execution of the following primary tasks: (1) developing and executing a detailed field experimental plan, (2) evaluating and validating cost effectiveness, (3) executing subsequent technology transfer and information dissemination activities and developing implementation plans with recommendations, and (4) publishing final research project documents.

This research project will be highly helpful to the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa counties in better understanding the benefits of the reapplication of RePLAY while facilitating their decision making in selecting cost–effective application frequency options.