Python Pothole Patching Machine Report Card Issued
Monday, October 29, 2012 @ 3:59 AM
Prince George, B.C. – It doesn’t look like the City of Prince George will be buying a Python5000 pothole patching machine, at least not yet.
In a report to City Council, City staff say the patches made by the machine during a demonstration in June of this year, just don’t seem to be of the quality already achieved by City Crews.
While noting the machine offers some safety features such as the operator being inside the vehicle instead of working on the road and encountering traffic hazards, the patches didn’t achieve a smooth transition to existing pavement meaning they could be ripped up during snow removal operations, and the compaction wasn’t up to existing standards.
There is also an issue with the compressed air “cleaning out” the pot hole in that it spreads loose gravel all over the road resulting in the need for a street sweeper to be called out. There were also concerns about the conveyor belt which delivers the asphalt to the hole being difficult to clean. The unit also has a limited capacity for asphalt meaning the operator would have to return for a refill which means it could not be used during a full night shift.
In short, the Manager of the Transportation Division, Alan Clark says the machine shows some promise, but needs further development before it could be considered as part of the Prince George road maintenance program.
Clark will also submit a report on the use of sand or “fractured” material for traction during the winter. In his report he says sand may be cheaper, however, the City would need to use more of it as it doesn’t last long and it causes dust issues in the spring. He notes that while fractured material may cause damage to the roads ( particularly at intersections where wheels grind it into the pavement) it provides better traction and is less costly in the long run.
Comments
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I guess tamping down with a shovel is better then using a pot hole patcher. Seems to me that some of the patches done by our City will also be subect to removel during the winter plowing.
The fsct is some of the patching is rougher then the pot holes that were filled guring our summer.
Cheers
Isn’t that the truth Retired, isn’t that the truth.
Retired 02: I can well imagine that the machine did a better job than the hand done ones. And what about running a load out to the machine when it gets low instead of it returning to load up?
Just wonder how long it takes to get to accurately estimate the amount of ashphalt any hole needs to have before tamping? I mean, if it tamps down 1/2 inch after filling say a three inch deep hole, how mcuh would it tamp down for a six in deep one? Provided it was tamped at a three inch fill first? All I can say is its nice to have them filled but now we have a bump instead of a hole.
I’m just never satisfied I guess!
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