Unprecedented Road Smoothness with Concrete Preservation

slyons86
Nov 19
2 min read

**Baytown, TX Project Delivers Superior Ride Quality**

In 2021, the City of Baytown, Texas, completed a landmark road preservation project on North Main Street, one of its busiest corridors. By adopting a Concrete Pavement Preservation (CPP) strategy, the city not only saved millions in reconstruction costs but also delivered a roadway with exceptional ride quality, setting a new standard for infrastructure renewal. This project serves as a compelling case study for how targeted preservation techniques can achieve superior results in smoothness, longevity, and public satisfaction.

Faced with a failing roadway and a reconstruction estimate of more than $12 million, Baytown's Public Works and Engineering Department sought an innovative and cost-effective alternative. The chosen CPP program, completed for just $2.2 million, revitalized the street by addressing its

specific distresses.

Their approach included:

· Full-depth and partial-depth panel replacements

· Cross-stitching to repair longitudinal cracking

· Dowel bar retrofits for enhanced structural integrity

· Diamond grinding for a uniform, smooth surface

The results exceeded all expectations. As Kevin Harville, assistant director for the City of Baytown Public Works and Engineering, stated, the project created the "smoothest riding street in the City of Baytown." He added, "The road rides smoother than any new concrete pavement can. I mean, it is super smooth, super quiet."

A key outcome of the Baytown project was a significant reduction in the International Roughness Index (IRI), a globally recognized measure of pavement smoothness. The diamond grinding process was instrumental in achieving this improvement.

Why does a lower IRI matter?

Increased structural longevity: A smoother surface reduces the dynamic loads and impact forces exerted by heavy vehicles. This minimizes stress on the pavement structure, slowing the rate of future deterioration and extending the pavement’s service life.
Enhanced fuel economy: Vehicles traveling on smoother roads experience less resistance, leading to improved fuel efficiency. By lowering the IRI, the North Main Street project contributes to tangible fuel savings for the 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles that use it daily.
Improved safety and driver experience: A low IRI value corresponds to a safer, more comfortable ride with reduced vehicle vibration and noise.

Kevin’s observation that the road is "super quiet" directly reflects the benefits of the smooth surface created by diamond grinding.

The Baytown project demonstrates the strategic value of a well-executed CPP program. By partnering with the IGGA for technical specifications and best practices, the city implemented a solution that was both economically and structurally superior to full reconstruction.

The project’s success, validated by positive feedback from officials and the public, underscores the ability of diamond grinding and associated repairs to restore pavement to a like-new or better condition, delivering lasting value for the community.