What is the function of prime coat in bituminous pavement?
Posted in Highway Engineering |
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The principal function of prime coat in bituminous pavement is to protect the subgrade from moisture and weathering. Since the presence of moisture affects the strength of subgrade, the prevention of water entry
during construction is essential to avoid the failure of the pavement. In cold countries, by getting rid of moisture from subgrade, the danger of frost heave can be minimized.
Prime coat is an asphalt which, when applied evenly to the surface of sub-base or subgrade, serves to seal the surface to hinder the penetration of moisture into subgrade. Vehicular traffic should be avoided on the
surface sprayed with prime coat because the traction and tearing action of vehicles would damage this asphalt layer.
This question is taken from book named – A Self Learning Manual – Mastering Different Fields of Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q-A-Method) by Vincent T. H. CHU.
Bituminous priming of compacted sub-base; what could be the minimum/maximum exposure of the prime coat before overlaying with asphalt.