EDC Initiative Publication: “Targeted Overlay Pavement Solutions (TOPS)” for Backlogged Infrastructure Needs


“Every Day Counts (EDC-6)” Initiative Publication.
Click to download 6-page ‘single-page-flyer’ PDF.

Many of the pavements in the United States’ highway system have reached or are approaching the end of their design life. These roadways still carry daily traffic that often far exceeds their initial design criteria. Concerns about America’s aging infrastructure have been frequently voiced, but the dollars allotted for remedying the nation’s ever-mounting backlog of urgent infrastructure needs has never been adequate for the job. The current COVID crisis has further hindered the need.

Approximately half of all infrastructure dollars are invested in pavements. More than half of that investment is in overlays. By enhancing overlay performance, State and local highway agencies can maximize this investment and help ensure safer, longer-lasting roadways for the traveling public.

A Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) “Every Day Counts (EDC-6)” initiative titled “Targeted Overlay Pavement Solutions (TOPS)” is a series of 6 one-page CP-Tech-Center-developed flyers that tell real-life contractor stories of innovative unbonded & bonded concrete overlays.


Unbonded Concrete Overlay in N.C. Click to enlarge

These are solutions for integrating innovative overlay procedures into practices that can improve performance, lessen traffic impacts, and reduce the cost of pavement ownership. For the full range of concrete, asphalt, and composite pavement needs, concrete overlays offer:
• Cost-effective
• Versatile
• Short-term solutions
• Long-term solutions
• Preserve pavement service for several decades beyond original design life
• More sustainable construction practices


Click to go to 6-page single-flyer series (PDF)

This TOPS initiative resulted in impressive turnaround times and lower costs, while addressing serious issues in existing asphalt, composite, and concrete pavements. The 6-page single-flyer series covers targeted overlays that fit the treatment to the condition of existing pavements:
• Unbonded Concrete on Asphalt
• Unbonded Concrete on Composite
• Unbonded Concrete on Concrete
• Bonded Concrete on Asphalt
• Bonded Concrete on Composite
• Bonded Concrete on Concrete

CONCRETE OVERLAY INFORMATION:
Series of SIX 1-page TOPS flyers: www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc_6/docs/tops_concrete_overlays.pdf
TOPS Website: www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc_6/targeted_overlay_pavement.cfm
CP Tech Center LIBRARY: Concrete Overlay Design & Construction Resources:
Website and VIDEO: https://cptechcenter.org/concrete-overlays/
CP Tech Center Overlays WEBINAR SERIES: https://cptechcenter.org/webinars-and-videos/#overlay
Comprehensive Overlays Guide: https://intrans.iastate.edu/app/uploads/2018/08/Overlays_3rd_edition.pdf
Overlays Design Guide: https://intrans.iastate.edu/app/uploads/2018/08/Overlays_Design_Guide_508.pdf
Overlays Project Guide: Includes Typical Construction Drawings, Specification Guidance, and Cost information: https://intrans.iastate.edu/app/uploads/2018/09/overlay_construction_doc_dev_guide_w_cvr.pdf
Overlay Construction Field Application Program: https://intrans.iastate.edu/app/uploads/2018/03/US_18_overlay_construction_web.pdf

For questions, please contact:
Sam Tyson, FHWA-HIF-21-011 FHWA Office of Preconstruction, Construction, and Pavements
Phone: (202) 366-1326 | E-mail: Sam.Tyson@dot.gov www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts

Scroll to Top