Low-volume roads represent a significant proportion of the transportation infrastructure system, and their maintenance can often be costly. TRB conducted a webinar on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 from 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern that explored using Otta seal surfaces for treating low-volume roads. Traditional bituminous surface treatments require high-quality materials and specialized expertise, but Otta seal surfaces can be constructed using more economical local aggregates and regularly available equipment. This webinar focused on the principles, design, construction, and performance evaluation of Otta seal as an alternative to more traditional bituminous surface treatments.

This webinar was organized by the TRB Standing Committee on Aggregates.

A recording of the webinar is available.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Problems with gravel roads: Brian Moore, Iowa County Engineers Association Service Bureau
2. Otta seals: History, principles, and guidelines: Halil Ceylan, Iowa State University
3. Experience, installation and long-term performance: Lee Bjerke, Winneshiek County, Iowa
4. Question and answer session: Moderated by Andrew Dawson, University of Nottingham (ret.)

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Define Otta seal
2. Identify current practices for installing a well-performing and long-lasting Otta seal surfacing
3. Determine how Otta seal performs as an alternative to the traditional bituminous surface treatment techniques

Credit Information

TRB reported credits earned to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Complaints about registered providers may be sent to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20005.