What kind of filler to add 1/2" thickness to asphalt?

Sodo · Mar 20, 2015

Have a problem to I need some help with. Asphalt meets concrete, where the concrete is 1/2 inch higher. I'd like to add some kind of 'filler' to the asphalt, to smooth out this transition. 1/2" doesn't seem like much, but it causes problems for a forklift because it's in exactly the wrong place. There will be conditions where the forklift steering wheels are on this filler, STOPPED, while scrubbing left and right as the driver makes steering adjustments. It's about 11 feet wide, and I'd like to blend this transition about one foot.

What filler can be added onto the asphalt to blend this transition,,,,,,, that won't crack and chip away? Is there a flexible filler?

vtsnowedin · Mar 20, 2015

I don't know of a good fix for that short of cutting out a foot strip full depth and repaving with fresh mix.
To just build your ramp you need about 35 pounds of sand mix patch. Too small to get it from a plant so your talking some pot hole patch in bags or pails from the lumber yard. Trouble is most of those have 3/8 stone in them that will have to be worked out of your feather edge.

RedNeckRacin · Mar 20, 2015

Cutting out the asphalt and replacing it is the only sure way that I know of to taper asphalt. The aggregate doesn't taper to nothing well. Maybe a resin mixture would work but I have no knowledge of doing something like that.

Sodo · Mar 20, 2015

The asphalt WAS filled level to the concrete, but has settled 1/2" over time due to trucks, forklift traffic. IMHO replacing asphalt would simply start that process again, unless it was overfilled 1/2" higher. The asphalt guys had a very heavy roller, I would not imagine I could roll it as good as they did, and theirs settled. Also would be off-limits for curing which is a problem.

Even a quick-fix that doesn't last is far preferable to that. At least it's on a pre-settled substrate. And there's a chance it might last. I'm looking for old-technology, new technology compounds, or any fix thats easy and if it lasts all the better.

I've got a few ideas,,,

What about bolting a steel plate over a thinset fill. Can no-slip stickers on steel survive freeze & sun & forklift tire scrubbing?

Also thinking about grinding the concrete, fairing it out. But that will drop 1/2 inch in 4 inches, and my gut feel is that I need to fair it out a minimum of 12 inches.

Shield Arc · Mar 20, 2015

How about using a non shrink precision grout? :confused3:

Billrog · Mar 20, 2015

Grind the lip off the concrete any filler 1/2" thick would be REAL temporary form any experience I've had.

vtsnowedin · Mar 20, 2015

Now that you have posted pictures I have to say that is one odd looking asphalt surface. It looks like it is raveling away as much as settling. Get a paving contractor to give you a quote on a 5/8" overlay to seal it up and match the concrete. All your settlement should be done by now so a overlay should last for several years.

roadhunter · Mar 20, 2015

Grinding seems like the simple solution to me. Would be pretty easy to put a nice taper on the top with a diamond grinder.

Sodo · Mar 20, 2015

I think a 1/2" in 4 inches taper is too steep to be a "fix", not settled on that one yet. Haven't thought of grouts as I think the flex of the asphalt on a hot day, with a small-diameter forklift wheel will just crack it.

Calling a contractor will be meetings, meetings, then $1,000 bill for a couple guys showing up for 2 hours work. Thats for people who can't weed thru forum experience of thousands of crafty members. And then how long does that solution last, under the scrubbing of forklift tires scrubbing left and right? It depends on the contractor's experience, how can I find the one who knows what to do here?

I bet there's a $50 solution that will go down fast, will last as long as an asphalt patch (or more). And no meetings, but it may take some forum-time.

LD1 · Mar 20, 2015

Not sure if it will work in your situation, but what about epoxy concrete patch. The stuff that comes in a 3 or 5 gallon pail. (dry sand and a can of resin). We use that stuff at work patching concrete floor. Not sure how well it will bond to asphalt, or how it will hold up outdoors, but works very well indoors to concrete with lots of forklift traffic.