Approximately ten years ago, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) began testing the viability and cost effectiveness of installing control joints in new bituminous surfaces. Simply put, this compares to sawing and sealing expansion joints in new concrete, which has been done for many years.

The purpose of these joints is to prevent random cracking of pavements which leads to the intrusion of water into the sub-base. This moisture leads to potholes and breaking of the pavement. MNDOT and other agencies are now specifying Bituminous Joint Sawing and Sealing in many of their new projects. MNDOT has also used this in parking lots with outstanding success.

The work consists of saw cutting, cleaning, drying, and sealing transverse control joints in new bituminous surfaces.