Pothole repair crews at Kier, the UK’s leading construction and infrastructure services company, were concerned with the number of return visits they were doing to re-fix reinstatements. Find out what changes they made to their protocols and how Tough Patch cold-lay tarmac helped them achieve 82% fewer pothole repairs.
Revealing the scale of repeat visits
After receiving concerns about failed reinstatements from a number of repair crews across different depots, Kier started to investigate the problem.
The reports highlighted an inconsistency in the company’s approach to pothole repairs. But what was more concerning was the number of times a crew needed to be re-deployed to re-fix a reinstatement.
A review of the company’s pothole repair data revealed that during the nine-month period of April 2019 to January 2020, there had been 98 instances when a crew had to make a repeat visit to repair a pothole. These repairs were split across 17 routes.
There was clearly some room for improvement and especially considering the costs in terms of time and money spent on pothole repairs.
Another issue that was highlighted was the inconsistency in the crews’ approach to pothole repairs across the different depots.
During the nine-month period... there had been 98 instances when a crew had to make a repeat visit to repair a pothole
At some depots the way pothole repairs were being carried out meant that the reinstatements were not lasting as long as the company had anticipated.
Kier was keen to address the inconsistencies across the depots and find the best solution for pothole repairs that would keep the number of return visits across their network to a minimum.
Recommended product for permanent repairs
The company decided to enlist some extra assistance from market-leading highway specialists, Ultracrete. Strategic Account Manager, Dave Youell, and Technical Training and Support Manager, Nick Holmes, were happy to help.
Following discussions with Kier’s team and getting a clear idea of the problem at hand, Dave and Nick recommended they use Tough Patch Rapid for permanent pothole repairs.
Certified through the PTS Product Assessment Scheme (PAS), Tough Patch is a permanent cold-lay surfacing material that creates permanent pothole fixes, first-time round.
The cold-lay tarmac utilises a reactive binder that rapidly cures on adding water. Applied directly out of the bag or tub, Tough Patch is a safe and extremely effective alternative to hot asphalt.
Along with the superior quality of the product, another major benefit of using Tough Patch is that the surface can immediately accept traffic after installation, reducing the amount of time required for highway closures and ensuring a safer working environment for Kier operatives.
A standardised way of repairing potholes
Ultracrete’s Nick and Dave visited a number of the pothole crews as part of the partnership with Kier.
The visits were an opportunity for operatives to ask any burning questions about using Tough Patch and discuss any issues or concerns.
Plus, Nick gave demos on the most effective way of applying and using Tough Patch for permanent reinstatements.
After introducing one quality pothole repair material and standardising the processes for pothole repairs, Kier has reported a huge reduction in repeat visits to fix reinstatements.
The company stated they have witnessed an 82% reduction in repeat visits since making the changes.
... another major benefit of using Tough Patch is that the surface can immediately accept traffic after installation, reducing the amount of time required for highway closures
More about Tough Patch pothole repair
Tough Patch is quick and easy to apply and can be used to repair defects in a number of different surfaces.
As a robust formula, Tough Patch offers an incredible level skid-resistance that allows it to be utilised on more hazardous surfaces such as heavily trafficked areas, junctions and truck turning circles.
Tough Patch can be used for fixing reinstatements on:
- Pavements
- Driveways
- Car parks
- All types of roads
- Junctions, turning circles and heavily trafficked areas
Tough Patch can even be applied during wet weather.
Available as a 6mm-grade cold-lay asphalt to fix potholes of up to 60mm deep – in a 25kg bag or 25kg tub.
Great deals on bulk orders when you buy a full pallet of bags or a full pallet of tubs.
A 10mm-grade Tough Patch is available to order over the phone. Please call 0330 122 1025 for details.
Get in touch with our team of paving experts to see whether Tough Patch is a good fit for your pothole repair crew.
