Terra E-News, April 2015 – Vol. 9, No. 2
Agencies throughout Minnesota started using microsurfacing on a larger scale in the 1990s to fill ruts and smooth surfaces on high-volume roads. In cold temperatures, the mix becomes more brittle, which can increase the likelihood of cracking. In addition, snowplow damage has been noted on microsurfaced roads. These issues resulted in research and new projects to enhance its effectiveness in colder climates. The research activities also are the basis for a new TERRA fact sheet about new microsurfacing specifications improving the cold-temperature performance of asphalt pavements.
