Which pavement treatment involves removing a layer of existing pavement?

The pavement treatment that involves removing a layer of existing pavement is known as mill and overlay. This process entails using specialized milling equipment to grind away a predetermined thickness of the existing pavement surface. After milling, a new layer of asphalt is typically applied. This method is effective for restoring the pavement surface by improving overall ride quality and addressing surface distresses without the need for complete reconstruction.

In contrast, crack sealing, micro seal, and reconstruction serve different purposes. Crack sealing addresses surface cracks but does not involve removing any pavement material. Micro seal is a surface treatment that involves applying a thin layer of asphalt to enhance the surface but also does not entail milling. Reconstruction, on the other hand, involves completely rebuilding the pavement structure rather than just removing a thin layer, which is more extensive and costly. Thus, mill and overlay is the correct choice for a treatment that specifically requires layer removal.