For footway surface dressing, emulsion classes C69B3 or C69BF3, or proprietary footway surface dressing binders, are recommended to seal the surface and restore its texture. TRL Road Note 39 contains a design section specifically for footways and cycleways.
Road Emulsion Association, Technical Data Sheet No.7
Why footways are not just thin roads
Footways generally carry lighter loading than carriageways in comparable locations. That does not make them undemanding. Appreciable structural strength and surface properties are still required, because footways have to withstand the stresses generated when vehicles cross them to reach properties, and when vehicles park on them.
In urban areas, walkways need adequate stability against high point loading and severe surface stresses. In rural situations the important requirement is a sound base proofed against the ingress of moisture. In every situation, the quality of construction and the level of maintenance significantly affect how long the footway lasts.
Maintaining an existing footway
Where the shape of the footway is still satisfactory, but the surface has become slippery or is in danger of imminent breakup, surface dressing or slurry surfacing may be used as a remedial treatment.
Emulsion classes C69B3 or C69BF3, or proprietary footway surface dressing binders, are recommended for this treatment, to seal the surface and restore surface texture. It has also proved a very effective way of restoring uniformity to a surface that has been heavily patched.
TRL Road Note 39 contains a design section specifically covering surface dressing for footways and cycleways, and should be referred to.
Constructing a new footway
Footways can be constructed in a number of ways, but whichever is used it is worth following the same basic rules, beginning with a formation seal and base.
Where grouting is used, the quantity of bitumen emulsion should be sufficient to penetrate the full depth of the course. Applying the emulsion in two stages is advantageous for a full grout.
Surface sealing on waterbound construction
On a waterbound construction it may be necessary to apply a double surface dressing, with two binder and chipping applications rather than one.
Reconstruction by retread
Where a footway has reached a state of disintegration, or needs reshaping, bitumen emulsion can be used as a means of in-situ recycling rather than full replacement.
Related
All REA technical datasheets — twelve datasheets covering emulsion types, handling, surface dressing, bond coating and more.
The REA is the UK trade association for producers and users of bitumen road emulsion, and publishes these datasheets through its Technical Committee.