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Writer's pictureKeira Geary

AMERICAN ROAD PATCH ENDURED 1.3 MILLION ESALs: Positive Results from NCAT


The National Center for Asphalt Testing (NCAT) performed a friction test on American Road Patch with very positive results! This test evaluates the frictional properties of paved surfaces, including roads, highways, airport taxiways, and runways.

Pavement friction is essential for driver safety, ensuring vehicles maintain proper traction. Several factors, including weather, pavement surface, and vehicle conditions, affect braking and stopping, but pavement friction is a critical component of roadway safety.


Key positive findings from the NCAT's test on American Road Patch™:

  • Conducted at five locations on a test track with American Road Patch™ applied.

  • After 17 weeks of accelerated traffic loading, the patches experienced approximately 1.3 million ESALs.

  • The Dynamic Friction Test (DFT) results averaged 0.4 across the five patches, within the safe friction range of 0.3 to 0.5.

  • American Road Patch™ maintained a safe level of pavement friction, even after enduring over 1.3 million ESALs.

  • Demonstrates enhanced repair longevity while ensuring no negative impact on vehicle braking or stopping ability.


What is an ESAL?

An ESAL (Equivalent Single Axle Load) is a measure used in pavement testing to quantify the amount of wear and tear a road surface experiences due to traffic, particularly from heavy vehicles like trucks. One ESAL is equivalent to the damage caused by a single 18,000-pound axle load—essentially the weight carried by one axle of a typical large truck. Over time, roads accumulate these loads, and their durability is tested by how well they handle the pressure without breaking down.


The fact that American Road Patch™ received such strong marks on the friction test after enduring 1.3 million ESALs is significant for several reasons:

  1. Massive Weight Exposure: Handling 1.3 million ESALs means the patch successfully endured the equivalent of heavy truck traffic over an extended period without failing. This shows it can handle high levels of stress and pressure, which is critical for roads, highways, and other high-traffic areas.

  2. Others Fail: Many other roadway repair products cannot withstand this level of loading without breaking down, losing friction, or becoming unsafe. Common repair methods like cold patches or temporary fixes often deteriorate quickly under the strain of heavy traffic, leading to faster wear and frequent repairs.

  3. Proven Longevity and Safety: Not only did American Road Patch™ maintain its friction levels—essential for vehicle safety—but it also demonstrated that its repairs last longer, making it a more durable and cost-effective solution than other products that require constant reapplication or fail under similar conditions.



In short, American Road Patch™ outperforms many traditional roadway repairs, which often struggle to handle this kind of loading without compromising driver safety. This durability and friction performance are what make it a standout product in the industry.




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