Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness of Asphalt Pavement Pothole Patching Methods

Throw-and-roll and semipermanent patches are frequently used pothole patching techniques for asphalt pavement. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the two patching techniques with different combinations of materials and procedures, a 14-month survey was conducted to investigate field performance of patches installed on road sections with varying weather and traffic conditions. The performance of a patch was rated according to its overall distress conditions. With failed patches rated as 0, the service time was considered in the performance index. The multiple linear regression method was used to analyze the influence of patching methods, materials, geometric features, climatic condition, and traffic factors on the performance of patches. The field survey found that the throw-and-roll patches installed in winter deteriorated very fast, mainly because of severe freezing environment and insufficient compaction and curing. The 70% throw-and-roll patches lasted less than 14 months. Patches that survived through the first winter were typically well compacted, fully cured, and tended to last much longer. Labor costs accounted for 50% to 60% of the total cost, while material costs accounted for only 20% for cold mixes and 2% to ∼5% for semi permanent patches. Because of the reduced equipment and labor costs, the throw-and-roll patches had higher cost-effectiveness in the short term. However, the effectiveness of throw-and-roll patches decreased rapidly, and semipermanent patches exhibited higher cost-effectiveness in the long term. To improve the stability of patches, it is of great importance to apply sufficient compaction during installation.