How Tempe AZ Saved Big With High Density Mineral Bond
For the city of Tempe, AZ, pavement preservation is a major priority. With over 300 days of sun every year, the near-constant UV exposure weakens asphalt — especially when it’s not properly maintained. In order to prevent oxidation (and the resulting damage), the Tempe Public Works Department prioritizes preservation. With the intense conditions impacting Tempe’s roads, maintenance can become very expensive. During a cost analysis, city planners in Tempe realized they could save millions by working with a High Density Mineral Bond rather than typical mill and overlay treatments.
The Problem
Overlays are inevitable, but without a full pavement preservation toolbox, they become prohibitively expensive. High UV, heat, and heavy loads push surfaces to oxidize and ravel faster; skipping early preservation forces premature overlays, budget shocks, and fewer treated lane-miles per dollar.
The Solution
Engineers and the Tempe Public Works department worked together to come up with a better pavement preservation plan. By cooperating with each other, these departments are able to provide the city with much-needed services, such as asphalt treatments that work better and last longer. With HA5, Tempe has saved a projected $10 million on one neighborhood.
Keeping Tempe Roads Good
Tucked next to the Salt River, Tempe, AZ, is a bustling metropolitan area. More than 180,000 residents call Tempe home, and over 50,000 of those residents are students at Arizona State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S. based on enrollment. With so much going on in this city, road maintenance can be tricky.
“Tempe is unique because we’re landlocked and located between Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, and Scottsdale,” said Ed Bond, a Senior Civil Engineer for the City of Tempe. “That brings some unique challenges with traffic.” He mentioned that a lot of people also commute to Tempe for work, which adds to the barrage of vehicles on Tempe streets. “It brings a lot of deterioration to our roads.”
Tempe is a mature city, which means it has a lot of older infrastructure. As old parts of town need updating, city officials try to prioritize investing in the longevity of any improvements made, including new asphalt.
In order to extend the life of its roads, whether old or new, Tempe has adopted a pavement preservation plan “to keep good roads good” rather than waiting for signs of deterioration.
This preservation mindset is crucial because it also allows the city to free up funds for use on other important projects. Asphalt is an incredibly expensive asset for any city, and Tempe officials understand the importance of protecting it.
How HA5 Impacted Tempe, AZ
While researching better pavement preservation solutions, city engineers found HA5 High Density Mineral Bond. They visited some locations in the valley that had previously applied HA5 and were impressed with the performance. Enough to move forward in Tempe.
“Tempe has been lucky enough to apply HA5 in four different neighborhoods,” said Bond, “This product has extended the pavement life of the area.”
A big part of the decision-making process with HA5 also involved an in-depth look into the city’s projected budget for the next 30 years. Bond and his colleagues compared a “do nothing” approach (mill and overlay every few years) with the HA5 application and were able to project huge savings.
Overall, the city calculated a net savings of about $10 million over the course of 30 years in just one Tempe neighborhood.
The reason for the savings comes down to the quality and nature of the HA5 product. HA5 is designed to protect asphalt from water and UV exposure, the main causes of oxidation and deterioration.
Asphalt is created by combining tiny aggregates (stone, sand, etc.) with bitumen, a petroleum-based product that binds everything together. When the vital oils in the bitumen become exposed to UV rays and moisture, they evaporate, leaving behind a brittle byproduct. HA5 protects asphalt, keeping those vital oils in and water out.
This High Density Mineral Bond is also emulsified with a near-neutral charge, allowing for unique, fine aggregates in the mix that don’t leave a grainy residue behind. HA5 performs extremely well in the blistering heat of Tempe and the constant sunshine.
When asked what he would say to other cities or organizations looking into HA5, Bond said he would definitely recommend the treatment. “You will not be disappointed in the product. It’s a product that will last, it’s aesthetically pleasing, and it will also be a big cost savings to you in the long run,” he said.
To find out more about HA5 High Density Mineral Bond, contact us for a free consultation, and be sure to check out more case studies below.
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