How to Stop Waves in the Gravel of a Road

Gravel roads with a proper crown prevent potholes.

Washboard waves and potholes cause danger and discomfort on gravel roads. Sinking a wheel into an unknown pothole jerks the car and sets up the potential for an accident. Washboard waves, however, don't serve as a safety hazard, but make gravel driving loud and full of vibration. Proper road maintenance allows workers to fix and work on these wave problems before they turn into a major safety concern.

Things You'll Need

• Grading equipment
• Calcium chloride

Instructions

1. Regrade the road, cutting down deep enough to get rid of the washboard surface or pothole. When fast traffic moves over gravel, it throws dust and fine backing material into the air. This backing material keeps the road firm and holds in moisture. Once the road begins losing it's backing material and moisture, you get a washboard effect due to a deteriorating road.

2. Add more gravel with sharp stones and plenty of fine backing material. The sharp stones help hold the road in place once packed down by grading equipment or traffic.

3. Smooth and grade the road with a crown in the center. This slightly elevated center lets rainwater run off the road and prevents puddling. The main cause of potholes is the lack of a road crown which lets rain water pool and soften the road.

4. Spray a calcium chloride solution onto the new gravel road with a tank truck. Roads 12-feet or narrower require only one pass, while wider roads need two passes. Calcium chloride helps hold in road moisture. The more moisture, the less fine material flies into the air as dust.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have waves in your own driveway or right in front of your house, consider slowing your vehicle speeds. Higher speeds deteriorate roads quicker.

References

• Rural Home Technology: Gravel Road Troubleshooting Guide
• Road Management &Engineering Journal: Dust: Don't Eat It! Control It