Soluble salt damage to thin bituminous road and runway surfaces

Abstract The paper reviews current knowledge of damage by soluble salts to thin bituminous highway and runway surfacings in warm climates. It critically examines the various recommended maximum salt limits for materials in highway construction and reviews preventative and remedial practices. The study included a laboratory simulation of salt damage using climatic cabinets to identify the cause of salt damage to thin bituminous surfacing of a runway in the West Indies. The work shows the importance of linking relationships and influences of geology, hydrogeology and construction practice with material and salt types, migration and crystallization pressures, crystal properties, hydration/dehydration and climate in order to prevent damage occurring.