HUTT ROAD

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 208, 29 May 1926, Page 10

HUTT ROAD

Sir,—ln yours of May 25, headed “Hutt Road,” there is an item backing Mr. Stuart, Wilson's criticism of the hot-mix. I would like to state that I consider the writer is quite correct, i.e., the Hutt Road and all of the other ( hotmix roads are showing signs of givewaves and hollows are appearing from end to end—to say nothing of the large cracks that are showing, and repairs have been evidently lately done. _ No hot-mix road will stand if the foundation is not solid. If there is any movement below the bitumen the road will assuredly form into waves, etc., and. break up. All roads should have the aggregates bound with a penetration cold bitumen before tho hot surface is laid sb that there will not be any road bed movement after surfacing. Also this gives a grip for the bitumen to the bed of the road. Again, if a hot-mix is made of sand or second-class metal, such as was used on the Hutt Road, then it is quite evident such a road will not stand heavytraffic. This is conclusively proved by the waves and corrugations now showing on the Hutt Road and other bitumen roads in and around Wellington. The city engineers are experimenting year after year. Why all this huge waste, when the experience is obtainable from overseas? Also, the hot-mix plants are miles from the spreading points. This allows the loads to become chilled on the outside. When spreading, the hot and cold portions roll down unevenly, giving a rough surface, i.e., inducement to cause waves and general' breaking up of tne roads.—l am, etc., ANOTHER ENGINEER.