Cart Mart Parking lot Repairs

Cart Mart, a local business in Durham that sells and services golf carts, noticed their parking lot was forming large potholes, they called us to fix the problem. The damage was caused by heavy garbage trucks, which can weigh up to 50,000 lbs and easily wreak havoc on asphalt that isn’t built to withstand such weight.

What we found when we started the project was a big surprise: the pavement was only an inch thick, and the base underneath was made of clay instead of the compacted rock and dirt it should have been. Our job was clear—we had to dig out the clay, layer in rock and asphalt, and make sure Cart Mart’s parking lot could stand up to those heavy trucks in the future.

What causes asphalt damage like this?

There are a number of potential causes for broken asphalt but the most common is large/heavy truck traffic in areas that aren’t engineer to withstand the weight of the vehicles traveling on them.

A strong sub-base is crucial for any asphalt surface, particularly in areas where heavy vehicles like garbage trucks frequently travel. Ideally, the sub-base should be made of compacted rock and dirt, providing a solid foundation that can support the asphalt above it. Without this, the asphalt is much more likely to fail, leading to costly repairs and potential hazards for drivers and pedestrians.

In the case of Cart Mart, the underlying problem was clear. The sub-base was made of clay, which is not strong enough to handle the weight of heavy trucks. This weak foundation allowed the pavement to break down quickly, creating the large potholes that needed repair.

How do you repair potholes caused by garbage trucks?

With the asphalt removed, we focused on the underlying issue—the clay sub-base. As we dug deeper, we removed as much of the clay as possible because it simply couldn’t provide the stability needed for a durable asphalt surface. In its place, we layered in a proper sub-base made of compacted rock and dirt. This new foundation was crucial for ensuring that the asphalt would be able to withstand the weight and movement of heavy vehicles.

After the new sub-base was firmly in place, we began the process of rebuilding the pavement. We applied a new layer of asphalt, this time with the proper thickness of at least three inches, ensuring a much stronger and more durable surface. This approach is key to effective pothole repair in Durham, where the climate and traffic can take a toll on poorly constructed pavements.

By taking these steps, we made sure that the repairs would last, providing Cart Mart with a safe and stable parking lot that can handle the daily wear and tear of heavy vehicles.

In Conclusion

Reach out to Green Street Blacktop to see if we can help you with your asphalt needs. We’re always happy to lend a hand, or friendly opinion.