For roads in need of rehabilitation, the full depth reclamation process uses a reclaimer machine that pulverizes the existing pavement and base materials and mixes them with magnesium chloride which strengthens the base. By bonding fines to aggregates, MgCl2 eliminates dust for faster and denser compaction. It improves the adhesion between the base and the wearing surface. The magnesium chloride acts as a cementing material, assumes a dissolved state resistant to evaporation, is environmentally safe, and migrates minimally in soil. It is less corrosive to steel. It is especially effective in lowering the reclaimed layer’s freezing point, reducing cyclic freeze-thaw damage.

Benefits of Full Depth Reclamation with Magnesium Chloride

• Enhanced compaction, density and cohesion
• Strengthens the base, adding traffic bearing capacity
• Reuses existing materials in-place in a true recycling process
• Builds structure down into road, minimizing realignment
• Can widen existing roads or strengthen shoulders
• Can be the first step in stage construction
• Lowers freezing temperatures, reducing freeze-thaw cycle damage
• Reduces future maintenance costs
• Low cost technique for long-term improvement of severely distressed roads, extending service life after surfacing

The Process
Any poor existing materials are identified for removal during construction. Virgin stone may be added to improve the gradation and strength, and we select and formulate stabilizing materials to be compatible with the existing road material. Our experienced crews use the latest equipment and are trained to note and correct any deficiencies on the project. All States Materials Group’s Wirtgen WR-2500 and Caterpillar RM-350B traveling rotary reclaimers are capable of pulverizing to depths up to 15 inches, although 6- to 8-inch cuts are more typical. They crush the material to a maximum three-inch size and have controlled depth of cut, preventing poor base materials from entering into the recycled mix. We use a pressure distributor to spray 1.0 gallon per yd2 of a 30% solution of liquid magnesium chloride in two separate applications on the pulverized material. Once 0.75 gallons of MgCl2 per yd2 are sprayed onto the reclaimed base, a second pass with the reclaimer thoroughly blends the materials. The stabilized, recycled mix is carefully graded to your specifications, compacted with a vibratory roller and capped with 0.25 gallons of MgCl2 per yd2 to prepare the base for a new pavement surface.

When and When to Use Full Depth Reclamation with Magnesium Chloride
Full depth reclamation is ideal for severely distressed bituminous and gravel roads with severe rutting, frost heaves, fatigue cracking, potholes or a parabolic shape that makes plowing and maintenance difficult and expensive. It is the process of choice for disrupting reflective cracks and correcting grade, cross-section and drainage problems. If necessary, the drainage problems should be addressed; but the reclamation process makes that easy. The process builds structure down into the roadway, so it is also an excellent solution for preserving curb reveal, clearances under bridges and overpasses and alignment with side roads and driveways. It is also a low cost technique for widening roads and stabilizing shoulders.

Reclamation economically repairs serious surface and base deficiencies by recycling your roadway into a strong, dense, stabilized base. The strength gain is largely governed by the type of reclaimed material being stabilized. The stabilized base may be surfaced with a surface treatment for low volume roads, it may be covered with structural lifts of hot or cold mix asphalt, or it may be minimally surfaced as part of stage construction, where more structure is added as the demands of increasing traffic dictate.

At All States Materials Group, we can help you find the most cost-effective methods to rehabilitate your pavements. We use only quality materials, construction equipment and techniques, and professional, experienced crews to make sure you are satisfied with the project. Contact us for more information on how full depth reclamation can help you provide safer, longer lasting, more structurally sound pavements for your constituents.