IRC Code 82: Effective Routine Maintenance Strategies for Durable Bituminous Roads

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Routine maintenance is the unsung hero of a road’s lifespan. According to the IRC Code 82:2015, effective routine maintenance practices can significantly delay deterioration, reduce costs, and keep road infrastructure safe and functional for all users. In this blog, we dive deep into the IRC Code 82 to explore how to create durable bituminous roads through systematic, timely, and informed maintenance strategies.

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What is IRC Code 82?

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The IRC:82-2015 is a revised and updated version of the "Code of Practice for Maintenance of Bituminous Road Surfaces", originally published in 1982 by the Indian Roads Congress. This code outlines standardized practices for routine, preventive, and periodic maintenance of bituminous roads. It is designed to support engineers, contractors, and government bodies in preserving road infrastructure efficiently.

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Why Routine Maintenance Matters

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Routine maintenance isn't just a quick fix—it’s a proactive approach to sustainability. Here's why it's critical:

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• Prevents pavement deterioration by addressing early-stage distresses.

• Reduces Vehicle Operating Costs (VOC) and enhances fuel efficiency.

• Improves road safety by maintaining surface integrity and skid resistance.

• Supports uninterrupted mobility throughout all seasons.

• Delays costly rehabilitation, offering a high economic return of up to 20%.

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Scope of Routine Maintenance as per IRC Code 82

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Routine maintenance includes year-round activities that maintain surface condition and ride quality. Key tasks involve:

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• Pothole filling and patching

• Crack sealing

• Drainage cleaning

• Signage and pavement marking

• Shoulder repairs

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These actions are usually handled by the maintenance crew and must be continuous to be effective.

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Key Strategies for Effective Routine Maintenance

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1. Condition Assessment

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The first step in any maintenance activity is assessing pavement condition. IRC 82 suggests:

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• Visual surveys

• Roughness measurements

• Skid resistance checks

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Using Appendix 1 and 2 of the code, engineers can log data such as cracking %, pothole % and assign a rating (Good, Fair, Poor) to the road section.

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2. Distress Identification & Classification

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Routine maintenance must tackle early-stage distresses including:

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• Cracks (hairline, alligator, edge, longitudinal, transverse)

• Surface defects (bleeding, smooth surface, hungry surface)

• Disintegration (ravelling, potholes)

• Deformations (shallow depression, rutting, corrugation)

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Each defect has a recommended severity classification and treatment method in Section 7.

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3. Timely Intervention

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Routine interventions must be immediate and continuous:

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• Minor bleeding: Apply heated sand and roll.

• Hairline cracks: Use fog seal or slurry seal.

• Potholes: Use mechanized patching or manual filling depending on scale.

• Edge cracks: Enhance drainage and apply overlays if needed.

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Delays can turn minor issues into major failures, requiring expensive rehabilitation.

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4. Use of Right Tools and Techniques

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Section 11 of IRC 82 specifies tools like:

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• Manual patching tools

• Bitumen distributors

• Cutting and milling equipment

• Modern mobile mechanized patching machines

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Mechanization improves speed, efficiency, and quality of routine repairs.

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5. Safety & Traffic Management

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During maintenance:

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• Deploy warning signs, diversions, and safety cones

• Use flagmen and enforce speed reductions

• Follow guidelines in Section 12 to minimize traffic disruptions

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Organizational Readiness

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Section 13 emphasizes that successful routine maintenance needs:

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• Trained personnel

• Adequate funding

• Scheduled inspections

• Performance monitoring

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Efficient planning and resource deployment ensure continuity and effectiveness.

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Sustainable Maintenance = Longer Lasting Roads

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Routine maintenance isn’t just about preserving the surface—it’s about prolonging the life of entire road assets. With climate change, increasing traffic, and budget constraints, adhering to IRC Code 82's guidelines offers a structured, data-backed, and cost-effective approach to keeping our roads safe and sustainable.

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Conclusion

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IRC Code 82 empowers engineers and road agencies with actionable strategies to maintain bituminous roads year-round. By focusing on early detection, timely repairs, and systematic planning, routine maintenance can transform India's road networks—making them more resilient, safe, and cost-efficient.

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RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing AI in roads to enhance safety and streamline road management. Using advanced roads AI technology, the platform enables early detection of potholes, cracks, and surface defects through precise pavement surveys, ensuring timely maintenance and optimal road conditions. Committed to building smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI aligns with IRC Codes, empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights that cut costs, reduce risks, and enhance the overall transportation experience.