MnROAD | NRRA | Structure & Teams | Flexible Team
Tack Coats
Status: Complete
Project End Date: March 2018
Final report
Project summary
A tack coat is a light application of asphalt cement or asphalt emulsion used to ensure a good bond between a) an existing pavement surface and a new hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay or b) between the layers of each lift of HMA in multi-lift overlays or full-depth asphalt pavements. Adequate bonding between construction lifts, and especially between the existing roadway surface (bare or milled) and an overlay, is critical so that the completed pavement structure behaves as a single unit and provides adequate strength. Inadequate bonding between layers can result in delamination (debonding), followed by premature failures and a reduction in pavement life.
Various factors may affect the bonding condition at the interface. These include HMA material, tack coat 
material, tack coat application rate, pavement surface texture and cleanliness, temperature, and moisture conditions. Several agencies have conducted research in this area to improve construction practices and ensure good performance of their HMA pavements. Trackless tack coat materials and spray pavers (where available) are now being used more frequently.
The purpose of this tech transfer project is to compile a synthesis of best practices being used by NRRA members in the area of tack coats and to identify any gaps in the research that can be filled during the next round of construction activities at MnROAD.
Project tasks/status
Original Need Statement (Word)
Project team
Principal Investigator: Joe Korzilius, SRF Consulting
Technical Liaison: Eddie Johnson, MnDOT
Project Technical Advisory Panel (TAP)
- Brandon Bever, MAPA
- Eshan Dave, UNH
- Ed Johnson, MnDOT
- Jim Trepanier, IL DOT
- Randy West, NCAT
- Zhanping You, MTU
Related materials
- State of Practice "Tack Coats" (PDF) - draft January 2017
- California Tack Coat Spec (PDF)
- Illinois Tack Coat Spec (PDF) - See section 406
- Michigan Tack Coat Spec (PDF)
- Minnesota Tack Coat Spec (PDF)
- Missouri Tack Coat Spec (PDF)
- Wisconsin Tack Coat Spec (PDF)
- FHWA Tack Coat Best Practices (PDF)