Pulverizing and Full Depth Reclamation in Saratoga Springs, NY

What Is Pavement Pulverizing?

Pulverizing is the process of grinding the existing asphalt layer into small, uniform pieces using a high-powered reclaimer. Unlike milling, which removes and hauls away only the top layer of asphalt, pulverizing keeps all the material on site. The broken-down asphalt is blended into the existing base aggregate, shaped, and compacted to form a new foundation layer. Fresh asphalt is then placed on top.

The result is a recycled base that performs comparably to a conventionally built base at a substantially lower cost, with no trucking material off site and no importing of new base stone.

What Is Full Depth Reclamation?

Full depth reclamation (FDR) takes the same concept further. Where pulverizing blends existing asphalt with base aggregate through mechanical action alone, FDR introduces a stabilizing agent into the mix. Portland cement, lime, or asphalt emulsion is blended into the pulverized material to chemically strengthen the reclaimed base layer. The stabilizer binds the material together, producing a denser, more consistent base capable of supporting heavier loads or correcting cross-slope and drainage issues.

FDR is the standard approach for roadway rehabilitation, heavily trafficked commercial lots, and any project where the reclaimed base needs to meet a specific structural specification.

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