The Basics of Asphalt Paving

Asphalt Paving is one of the most popular pavement materials used to build roads, driveways, parking lots, race tracks and airport runways. It is cost effective, durable and adapts well to varying weather conditions. It also provides excellent skid resistance and produces a quiet surface.

Understanding the Basics of Asphalt Paving

The basic ingredients in asphalt are aggregates (crushed stone, gravel and sand) and bitumen. The bitumen is a dark viscous material that binds the aggregate together. It is obtained from the distillation of petroleum and contains trace amounts of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen.

Different asphalt mixes are created for various applications. The amount of traffic, environmental and temperature considerations, noise reduction needs and other factors affect the type of mix required.

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is an alternative to hot mix asphalt that is produced at a lower temperature. This reduces the energy consumption during production and results in a significant reduction in fume emissions. This creates a safer work environment for the crew and allows the road to be opened sooner.

Perpetual pavements use multiple layers to ensure the base is strong enough to withstand damage and last longer. This technique builds a flexible base that is supported by the next layer, which remains permanent and is then topped with a driving surface.

Proper grading and drainage are essential to asphalt longevity. If storm water pools on the surface, it can accelerate the deterioration of the asphalt. Having proper drainage alleviates this issue by sending the rainwater back to the ground.



Hardtop Asphalt
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