EXPERIMENT IN ROAD SURFACING.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 May 1939, Page 3

EXPERIMENT IN ROAD SURFACING.

A novel experiment in road surfacing is being tried out by the Pensylvania Department of Highways. A section of road has been laid down in cement with corrugation not unlike the imprint of the tread of a motor tyre in soft soil. The pattern was moulded into the wet concrete by vacuum mats, which also absorbed excess water from the cream-like cement. The theory is that water, remaining in ordinary 'cement, leaves air cells after drying, making the concrete porous and more susceptible to disintegration. The new surface is three inches thick, and was laid without reinforcement, over an old concrete road which had deteriorated under heavy traffic. i

The corrugations, which are set close together to prevent rougli riding, produce a slight humming sound when automobiles are driven at speed over the patterned cement surface. Advantages expected from the new process include further protection from skidding in all weather conditions and reduction of glare. The life expectancy of this type of road surface will, it is believed, be far greater than with any bituminous resurfacing, thus effecting u reduction of maintenance costs. I It is stated that the results of the' experiment are being studied carefully by engineers and road build ers in the United States.