Partial Depth Recycling

Partial Depth Recycling (PDR) is a rehabilitation technique that reuses existing pavement without applying heat. It involves grinding the top 3-6 inches of existing asphalt surface. The reclaimed asphalt pavement is sized per design specifications and mixed with a recycling agent and/or binder in the machine’s heavy duty chamber before it is put down on the same road. The new mix is spread uniformly across the road by the machine’s spreading auger, which allows the paving screed to place and compact in a single sweep.

This work is done with our single unit train, Wirtgen Cold Recycler 3800 CR. This machine allows us to recycle curvy roads, busy intersections and wide open roads without snarling traffic and creating dust.

PDR is a faster, cheaper, safer and greener method to improve roadway surfaces. PDR uses a single unit train that does not leave a lowered section or hole that limits access for emergency vehicles. The PDR surface can be traveled on within minutes of completion. This translates into no disruption of services when working in front of hospitals, schools, firehouses or police stations.

PDR is best when you’re looking for a value engineering alternative that can save 20-40 percent of your road maintenance budget. Other key factors for PDR:

• Surface failure, including excessive surface cracks, thermal distress and oxidized asphalt
• Roadway has more than 30 percent base failure/digouts
• Short construction times are critical
• Traffic control demands single lane closure