Pavement

This document sets out the performance requirements expected of bitumen sprayers operating in Australia and New Zealand.

For a consistent and high quality of sprayed sealing work to be undertaken, and for sprayed sealing to remain a viable surfacing option in the face of increasing traffic levels, the achievement of well-defined and controlled application rates of binder and aggregate are very important factors. The spraying of the binder at the correct design rates of application depends on the design, manufacture and maintenance of the bitumen sprayer, appropriate calibration method, and the operating procedures, skills and competency of the operator.

The proposed performance requirements apply to purpose-built mechanical bitumen sprayers for the application of hot and/or cold bituminous materials commonly used in sprayed sealing, but do not apply to spraying equipment used exclusively for hand sprayed work or where the pressure source is compressed air and pressurised tank.

This document was originally published in 2014. After consultation with Austroads, NATA and ARRB representatives, AP-T262- 14 was reviewed to ensure the document was consistent with changes to the Austroads bitumen sprayer test methods. The main changes to the document include:

• updated references
• consistency of terminology between this document and bitumen sprayer test methods
• clarification of the testing requirements for imported bitumen sprayers
• clarification of testing procedures after modifying/repairing a bitumen sprayer
• requirement to sample bituminous products before entry into a sprayer
• clarification on the mounting of dipsticks.