Diamond Grinding or Grooving a Concrete Pavement? Achieving the 4S’s in the 21st Century. A Contractor’s Experience in Australia

Abstract

Diamond grinding / grooving (DGAG) of concrete pavement is undertaken for a number of different purposes include improve ride (smoothness), increase skid resistance, quieter pavements (silent) and for concrete road revival (sustainability). This technique was first used in 1965 on a 19 year of section of I-10 in Southern California to eliminate excessive faulting. Since then, diamond grinding has become a major element of concrete pavement restoration project in the USA. DGAG was introduced in Australia in the early 21st century. The Company has undertaken diamond grinding / grooving assignments in Australia for the past four years. These assignments were undertaken on new concrete pavements, existing concrete pavements and existing concrete pavement with asphalt overlay removed in New South Wales, Australia. The outcomes of these years of experience shows that the DGAG process is a cost effective process in achieving 4S’s. This paper presents a brief description of some of the DGAG assignment conducted and a summary of the findings.