Cleaning Device to Remove Debris and Chemicals for Crack/Joint Sealing

Abstract

This Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) project developed a tool that efficiently prepares pavement cracks and joints for sealing. The tool was specifically designed to remove deicing chemical buildup that forms on the crack and prevents sealant adhesion. The crack preparation methods include air blasting and abrasive wire brushing. The simple and innovative design of this tool is an air powered rotary wire brushing system with on-board air nozzles that blow out the pavement crack behind the wire brush. Incorporating a pneumatically powered rotary motor allows for a seamless connection between existing maintenance vehicles' air compressor systems, which reduces the need for further retrofit costs and eliminates the need to haul flammable liquids.