What is Asphalt

Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates, binder and filler, used for constructing and
maintaining roads, parking areas, railway tracks, ports, airport runways, bicycle
lanes, sidewalks and also play- and sport areas.
Aggregates used for asphalt mixtures could be crushed rock, sand, gravel or slags.
Nowadays, certain waste and by-products, such as construction and demolition
debris, are being used as aggregates, which increases the sustainability of asphalt.
In order to bind the aggregates into a cohesive mixture a binder is used. Most
commonly, bitumen is used as a binder, although nowadays, a series of bio-based
binders are also under development with the aim of minimising the environmental
impact of the roads.
An average asphalt pavement consists of the road structure above the formation
level which includes unbound and bituminous-bound materials. This gives the
pavement the ability to distribute the loads of the traffic before it arrives at the
formation level. Normally, pavements are made of different layers:

How is asphalt produced?

Asphalt is produced in an asphalt plant. This can be a fixed plant or even in a
mobile mixing plant. It is possible to produce in an asphalt plant up to 800 tons per
hour. The average production temperature of hot mix asphalt is between 150 and
180°C, but nowadays new techniques are available to produce asphalt at lower
temperatures. (See below).
 Asphalt plant

Different kinds of asphalt

To be able to provide the best performance to different applications, a large variety
of asphalt mixes can be used. Due to the different requirements (amount of traffic,
amount of heavy vehicles, temperature, weather conditions, noise reduction
requirements, etc.) the respective mix used needs to have an sufficient stiffness and
resistance to deformation in order to cope with the applied pressure from vehicle
wheels on the one hand, yet on the other hand, they need to have an adequate
flexural strength to resist cracking caused by the varying pressures exerted on them.
Moreover, good workability during application is essential in order to ensure that
they can be fully compacted to achieve optimum durability.

Asphalt mixtures can be produced at different temperatures

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Hot asphalt mixes are generally produced at a temperature between 150 and 180 °C.
Depending on the usage, a different asphalt mixture can be used. For more details of
the different asphalt mixtures, go to  “Asphalt products”
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
A typical WMA is produced at a temperature around 20 – 40 °C lower than an
equivalent Hot Mix Asphalt. Significantly less energy is involved and,
consequently, less fumes are produced (as rule of thumb, a reduction of 25ºC
produces a reduction of 75% of fumes emission). In addition, during the paving
operations, the temperature of the material is lower, resulting in improved working
conditions for the crew and an earlier opening of the road.
Cold Mix Asphalt
Cold mixes are produced without heating the aggregate. This is only possible, due
to the use of bitumen emulsified in water, which breaks either during compaction or
during mixing. Producing the coating of the aggregate. Over the curing time, water
evaporates and strength increases. Cold mixes are particularly recommendable for
lightly trafficked roads.

Cold Mix Asphalt layer

Different asphalt layers

An asphalt pavement consists of different asphalt layers.
In general the asphalt layers are paved on a bound or unbound road base layer.
Starting at the road surface, the first layer is called the surface course. The second
layer is mostly called the binder course. The lower layers are the base courses.
Surface course
The surface course constitutes the top layer of the pavement and should be able to
withstand high traffic- and environmentally-induced stresses without exhibiting
unsatisfactory cracking and rutting. Its main mission is to provide an even profile
for the comfort of the user, while providing enough texture to ensure minimum and
safe skid resistance. Depending on local conditions, functional characteristics such
as skid resistance, noise reduction and durability are often required for wearing
courses. In some cases, rapid drainage of surface water is desired while in other
cases, the wearing course should be impermeable in order to keep water out of the
pavement structure. A wide range of surface layer products can be used depending
on specific requirements. Surface layers types are:
 Asphalt Concrete (AC)
 Béton Bitumineux Mince (Thin Layer Asphalt Concrete – AC-TL)
 Asphalt Concrete Very Thin Layers (AC-VTL)
 Asphalt Concrete Ultra Thin Layer (AC-UTL)
 Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)
 Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA)
 Porous Asphalt (PA)
 Double layered Porous Asphalt (2L PA)
 Mastic Asphalt (MA)
 Soft Asphalt (SA)

Double layered porous asphalt

Binder course
Binder courses are designed to withstand the highest shear stresses that occur about
50 – 70 mm below the asphalt surface. The binder course is therefore placed
between the surface course and base course to reduce rutting by combining qualities
of stability and durability. Stability can be achieved by sufficient stone-on-stone
contact and stiff and/or modified binders.
Base course
The base course is perhaps the most important structural layer of the pavement,
which is intended to effectively distribute traffic and environmental loading in such
a way that underlying unbound layers are not exposed to excessive stresses and
strains. This often implies comparatively high stiffness of the base course. Next to
this the base course should also show adequate fatigue resistance.
Unbound materials and foundation
Since the formation and sub-soil often constitute relatively weak materials, it is of
utmost importance that the damaging loadings are effectively eliminated by the
layers above. In this case, unbound road-base or sub-base layers consisting of
uncrushed or crushed aggregate can be suitable.

Did you know that..

…asphalt is sometimes referred to as a flexible pavement. This is due to its ability
to largely resist the stress imposed by slight settlements of the subgrade without
cracking.
…asphalt is the predominant material used for road construction and maintaining
the road network in Europe?
…25% of the total world asphalt production takes place in Europe?
…the average amount of bitumen used in  asphalt is 5% by weight?
…Europe has over 4.000 asphalt production sides and over 9.500? companies are
involved in the asphalt production and /or laying?
… some people still talk about tarmac of tarring a road. Since the 1990’s tar is not
used anymore in road building.
… tar is totally different from bitumen. They are both black, but tar comes from
coal and bitumen from heavy crude oil.
…Europe has over 2.500 asphalt production sides and over 9.500 companies are
involved in the asphalt production and  / or laying?… some people still talk about
tarmac of tarring a road. Since the 1990’s tar is not used anymore in road building.
… tar is totally different from bitumen. They are both black, but tar comes from
coal and bitumen from heavy crude oil.

Asphalt
material

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WRITTEN BY
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they
have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by
working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
See Article History
Asphalt, black or brown petroleum-like material that has a
consistency varying from viscous liquid to glassy solid. It is obtained
either as a residue from the distillation of petroleum or from natural
deposits. Asphalt consists of compounds of hydrogen and carbon with
minor proportions of nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Natural asphalt
(also called brea), which is believed to be formed during an early stage
in the breakdown of organic marine deposits into petroleum,
characteristically contains minerals, while residual petroleum asphalt
does not.
 asphalt
A layer of asphalt being laid down on the Kabul-Kandahar Road,
Afghanistan.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

The use of asphalt is very old, dating back to its use as a water stop
between brick walls of a reservoir at Mohenjo-Daro (about the
3rd millennium BC) in Pakistan. In the Middle East it was extensively
used for paving roads and sealing waterworks, important applications
even today. The Pitch Lake on the island of Trinidad was the first large
commercial source, but natural sources have since declined in
importance as petroleum became the major
source. Gilsonite, wurzilite, and similar vein asphalts have special uses
in heat-resistant enamels; they are hard and are mined like coal.
Petroleum asphalt is produced in all consistencies from light road oils
to heavy, high-viscosity industrial types.

Asphalt softens when heated and is elastic under certain conditions.

The mechanical properties of asphalt are of little significance except
when it is used as a binder or adhesive. The principal application of
asphalt is in road surfacing, which may be done in a variety of ways.
Light oil “dust layer” treatments may be built up by repetition to form
a hard surface, or a granular aggregate may be added to an asphalt
coat, or earth materials from the road surface itself may be mixed with
the asphalt.

0000214229-wtfvid007-109

Other important applications include canal and reservoir linings, dam

facings, and other harbour and sea works; asphalt so used may be a
thin, sprayed membrane, covered with earth for protection against
weathering and mechanical damage, or thicker surfaces, often
including riprap (crushed rock). Asphalt is also used for roofs,
coatings, floor tilings, soundproofing, waterproofing, and other
building-construction elements and in a number of industrial
products, such as batteries. For certain applications an
asphaltic emulsion is prepared, in which fine globules of asphalt are
suspended in water. 

Why choose asphalt?

There are many reasons why asphalt pavement has become the preferred choice of road
pavement material. Most roads are constructed in layers, with each layer playing a part in
delivering the best infrastructure possible. When asphalt pavement is used it brings numerous
benefits that all can enjoy.
Benefit # 1: perpetual pavement
Asphalt pavements are perpetual and have the ability to last forever when designed
properly. Routine maintenance is essential for anything that is used on a regular basis. Our roads
are no exception. By choosing asphalt, the maintenance can be done quickly with minimal traffic
disruption. Using asphalt on our roads can significantly improve the ride quality and fuel
consumption of vehicles traveling these roads and contribute to the longevity of the road.

Benefit #2: smoothness

Asphalt pavement provides a smoother surface. A smooth surface reduces damage to the
pavement, necessitating fewer repairs. It improves fuel efficiency and reduces wear and tear on
vehicles, making the choice for asphalt a great economical decision. Finally, paving roads and
highways with asphalt significantly reduces the noise generated by the tire/pavement interface
providing for a quieter ride experience for the motorist.

Benefit #3: faster project completions

Paving with asphalt cuts construction project time significantly. As a result, traffic flows more
smoothly and impact on commerce is minimized. Asphalt paving projects can be planned and
carried out to take advantage of off-peak periods, like nights and weekends. Asphalt is ready for
traffic right after it is compacted and cooled, which means better traffic flow, minimized closures
and happier motorists.

Benefit # 5: economical and adaptable

Asphalt is a low-cost building material. It is less expensive, not just in actual cost, but also in
terms of the time it takes to complete construction projects. It is adaptable in that asphalt is a
reliable weather resistance material and can be designed for low and high traffic conditions. It
can withstand the harshest of weather and the heaviest of semi-trailers. Asphalt can be designed
to fit a specific purpose.

Benefit #6: safety

Asphalt’s safety feature is related to its smooth-like finish. It offers drivers skid resistance and
reduces splash back while providing better visual distinction between road markings. Asphalt
also helps keep roads free from ice and snow.

Benefit # 7: sustainability
Asphalt is a recycled material, it can be used over and over, and its life cycle never ends. Asphalt
roads can be dug up and then re-used again. This makes asphalt a wise choice when choosing
road material. When we use it we are preserving our natural resources by reusing the same
material over again.
 Benefits of Asphalt
Overview | Resources
OVERVIEW
Asphalt pavements have many
advantages over pavement surfaces
constructed using other materials. 94%
of the roads in America are surfaced
with asphalt, and it’s no surprise why.
Asphalt pavements are:

 Safe—Asphalt pavements offer high

skid resistance and provide high contrast in
color between asphalt pavement and road
markers, giving drivers better road visibility
in any weather condition. Unharmed by ice
and snow chemicals, asphalt’s dark color
also reduces glare and melts ice and snow more rapidly than other pavement types. Open-graded
asphalt, a special type of road surface, can minimize splash and spray during rainstorms and reduce
crashes and fatalities on highways. Asphalt pavement materials also eliminate potentially
dangerous and expensive pavement blowups.
 Smooth—Asphalt pavements provide a more uniform surface unmatched by other
pavements. Smooth roads are safer because rough, uneven surfaces increase driver fatigue and
diminish control. Smooth asphalt roads also reduce rolling resistance (the friction between tires and
pavement), which means better fuel economy and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Smooth roads
allow superior contact with vehicle tires for a safer (and more enjoyable) ride.
 Cost-Effective—Smooth roads aren’t just safer, they also save money. Reduced wear and
tear on vehicles due to fewer bumps in the road brings down vehicle operating costs. Also,
increasing a roadway’s smoothness by 25% extends its lifespan—upwards of 10 percent—which
saves taxpayers money. Asphalt roads can be built more quickly and cost-effectively than other
pavements as well, and they can be designed as a Perpetual Pavement that needs only periodic
maintenance to remain in good shape indefinitely.
 Quiet—Roadway noise is a distraction in your car and at home. Asphalt roads can reduce
highway noise by as much as seven decibels. For scale of reference, reducing noise by just three
decibels is the equivalent to doubling the distance from the source of the noise to the listener.
Asphalt roads also reduce the need for costly and unsightly sound barriers, often exceeding $2
million per mile.
 Traveler and business friendly—Asphalt roads do not require curing time or extensive site
preparation and traffic is permitted as soon as the rollers are finished. They can be paved just a lane
at a time, minimizing disruption to citizens and reducing congestion through speedy construction
processes, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars in user delay costs. Projects can often be
completed in one short day, even overnight, leaving routes open for travelers and providing street
access for stores and businesses.
 Environmentally friendly—Asphalt is 100% recyclable and the most recycled product in
America. The asphalt industry reuses and recycles 100 million tons of asphalt pavement a year,
saving taxpayers over $2 billion annually. Asphalt also requires 20% less energy to produce and
construct than other pavement materials. Post-consumer waste such as used tires and shingles can
also be reused in new asphalt pavement, reducing landfill space and conserving natural resources.
 Attractive—Many hours are spent designing aesthetically pleasing infrastructure and great
curb appeal starts with an asphalt pavement. A new road is an investment in the appearance of our
communities and in the safety of our citizens. Asphalt pavements have no built-in, unsightly cracks.
They blend with and enhance the natural surroundings.
 Durable—Asphalt pavements have long lives. All asphalt pavements have a bridging action
and are flexible, which means they can withstand occasional overloads without serious damage.
They can be designed to suit any conditions of traffic, soils, and materials. Asphalt only needs
periodic maintenance to remain in good shape indefinitely.

3 Tips To Increase The Lifespan Of Asphalt

Pavement
Posted by Riley Stendel on Jun 9, 2014
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Have you recently invested in a new

asphalt parking lot or driveway and want to
ensure that it lasts? A quality asphalt
pavement can last an average of 15-20
years in southeast Wisconsin. The
freeze/thaw cycles, along with the type of
soil underneath thebase stone are main
factors in the life of the pavement. In areas
where the freeze/thaw cycle is not as much
of a concern, the life expectancy is longer.

Wolf Paving recommends regular

maintenance and upkeep to help keep your
asphalt protected and to get the most out of
your investment. Following these tips can increase the lifespan of your asphalt
pavement to 25+ years.

Tip #1: Prevent Water Damage

The best thing to do is to prevent water intrusion through or under the pavement as
much as possible. Water is susceptible to freezing and thawing, which prematurely
damages the pavement. Try to get good drainage away from the driveway as well. Your
paving contractor can help with this as they are going through the paving process.

Tip #2: Sealcoat and Fill Cracks

If there are cracks in the pavement, seal them as adamantly and frequently as needed.
Sealcoating periodically will help keep the elements from oxidizing the surface.
However, do not overseal, as that will shorten the life of the pavement. Wolf Paving
recommends sealcoating every few years. Sealcoat only when the previous sealcoat is
worn off by traffic to a point where significant portions of the bare pavement below the
sealcoat are showing.

Tip #3: Consider Replacing the Asphalt

If you have followed the above two steps and your pavement still looks worn out, it may
be time to think about replacing the asphalt. It may be time to replace the asphalt if it
stops functioning mechanically, meaning it does not drain properly, is bumpy, or there is
too much settling.

Another reason you may want consider replacing the asphalt is if it just looks bad. If it
doesn’t look its best anymore, even after crackfilling and sealcoating, replacement is the
only option.

Safety concern is an additional reason to replace the asphalt as well. Slips, falls, or
damage to vehicles may be signs the pavement should to be replaced. 

In the end, it is up to the customer and what best fits their needs and budget.

The life expectancy varies based on climate, traffic, and maintenance. It is possible to
have asphalt pavement last 25-30 years, but this depends on how strong the base is,
the soil types underneath, how well those soils drain, how think the original road,
parking lot, or drivewaywas paved.

Is it time for crackfilling or sealcoating your asphalt parking lot or driveway? Or is

replacing the asphalt a better route for you? Contact Wolf Paving for more information
on choosing the best option for your asphalt pavement or to request a quote.

HOW IS ASPHALT MANUFACTURED?

10 January, 18 / Asphalt Repairs
People drive and walk on asphalt everyday without even thinking about it.
Asphalt pavement covers roads, runways and parking lots so that people can
get where they need to go all over the world. It’s one of the most commonly
used pavement materials because it is tough, can be repaired quickly and can
be recycled into other pavement projects.
What Ingredients Go Into Asphalt Pavement?

The two main ingredients mixed together to make asphalt pavement are
asphalt cement and aggregate. Asphalt cement is a highly viscous liquid form
of petroleum. It acts as the glue that binds the aggregate (small rocks)
together to create a tough and flexible material. Asphalt pavement is usually
composed of 5% asphalt cement and 95% aggregate. Typically, in the lower
levels of a pavement layer, aggregate particles are larger and slightly less
angular; in the surface levels, the particles are smaller and more angular. Very
small aggregate particles called “fines” may be mixed in to extend the life of
the pavement. In additional to asphalt cement and aggregate, manufacturing
companies might add certain chemicals to the mixture such as hydrated lime
for a tighter bond, or polymers for improved flexibility. Ingredients may vary
somewhat depending on the climate of the location the asphalt pavement is to
be applied. Asphalt for warmer climate sites is made harder for withstanding
hotter temperatures, and asphalt for colder climate sites is made softer.
How Is the Asphalt Pavement Mixture Made?

Asphalt pavement mixtures are typically manufactured at a plant. All

ingredients must be precisely measured to suit the type of project and the
climate of the project site. Then, the thick asphalt cement must be made
thinner in order to be able to mix it with aggregate and other components.
Methods for thinning the asphalt include dilution by applying a solvent,
emulsification in water or application of heat. Heating is the most common
method. Aggregate must be cleaned, dried and heated. When both the
aggregate and the asphalt have been raised to the correct temperature, they
are blended together in either a drum or pugmill, which are different types of
mixing machines that produce a homogeneous mixture. Choosing the correct
temperatures for the process is crucial – manufacturers must adjust
temperatures based on the time it will take to transport the pavement mixture
from the plant to the construction site, how thick the asphalt cement is to start
with and how long it will take to compact the mixture once applied.

What’s the Difference Between Hot Mix Asphalt and Warm Mix Asphalt?

Hot mix asphalt is currently the most commonly used form of asphalt
pavement, but warm mix asphalt is being increasingly used for construction
projects. HMA requires that aggregate be dried and heated and asphalt
cement be heated to a very high temperature before mixing the two.
Furthermore, HMA must be maintained at high temperatures while it is being
applied and compacted. To make WMA, certain emulsions, zeolites, waxes or
water are added to the asphalt cement before it is mixed with the aggregate.
This technique allows for production at much lower temperatures, which
reduces energy consumption, petroleum use and emissions of harmful
gasses.
The manufacturing of asphalt is a varied yet precise process. When applied
by trained professionals and properly maintained, it can last for decades.

Types of Asphalt
March 7, 2013 By Asphaltwordpress13 Landscaping

Large potholes can ruin anyone’s day. Not only are they a nuisance to your car (and your
alignment), but they also create a safety hazard for pedestrians. Whether you need to clear up a
pothole in a street, a driveway, or a parking lot, asphalt is the material that you will need in
order to smooth your way.
When working with asphalt, it is important to know the different varieties that are available.
There are three main types of asphalt: Hot Asphalt, MC Cold Mix, and UPM. There are also
different varieties of these asphalts for summer and winter use. Below is a brief overview of
each type of asphalt.

Hot Asphalt is the type of asphalt that you mostly see when driving past a construction crew.
Use mostly for paving and patching, Hot Asphalt, as its name suggest, is easiest to work with
when the temperature of the asphalt is high. Hot Asphalt is a permanent solution to a problem,
but must be used almost immediately after purchasing. As the asphalt cools, it becomes
increasingly difficult to work with, and once completely cool, it hardens like a rock.

MC Cold Mix is asphalt that can be used as a temporary fix. Since the asphalt is used at cold
temperatures, it is slow to cure and best used in areas that have little to no traffic.

UPM is also a cold mix asphalt, but unlike MC Cold Mix, it can be used as a permanent fix to
any asphalt or concrete problem, Designed to work in any weather condition, UPM can be used
to fix both wet and dry holes, allowing you to make any repair in any situation. Once that
asphalt has been compacted, it is immediately ready to be tread upon. Learn more about
the benefits of UPM.

These three different types of asphalt offer good solutions to asphalt problems that you might
have in your home or business. By knowing the differences, you can make sure you pick the
right one for your situation.

Mixture formulations[edit]

As shown in this cross-section, many older roadways are smoothed by applying a thin layer of asphalt concrete
to the existing portland cement concrete, creating a composite pavement.

Mixing of asphalt and aggregate is accomplished in one of several ways:[5]

Hot-mix asphalt concrete (commonly abbreviated as HMA)
This is produced by heating the asphalt binder to decrease its viscosity, and drying the
aggregate to remove moisture from it prior to mixing. Mixing is generally performed with the
aggregate at about 300 °F (roughly 150 °C) for virgin asphalt and 330 °F (166 °C) for
polymer modified asphalt, and the asphalt cement at 200 °F (95 °C). Paving and compaction
 must be performed while the asphalt is sufficiently hot. In many countries paving is restricted
to summer months because in winter the compacted base will cool the asphalt too much
before it is able to be packed to the required density. HMA is the form of asphalt concrete
most commonly used on high traffic pavements such as those on
major highways, racetracks and airfields. It is also used as an environmental liner for
landfills, reservoirs, and fish hatchery ponds.[6]

Asphaltic concrete laying machine in operation in Laredo, Texas

Warm-mix asphalt concrete (commonly abbreviated as WMA)

This is produced by adding either zeolites, waxes, asphalt emulsions, or sometimes even
water to the asphalt binder prior to mixing. This allows significantly lower mixing and laying
temperatures and results in lower consumption of fossil fuels, thus releasing less carbon
dioxide, aerosols and vapors. Not only are working conditions improved, but the lower laying-
temperature also leads to more rapid availability of the surface for use, which is important for
construction sites with critical time schedules. The usage of these additives in hot mixed
asphalt (above) may afford easier compaction and allow cold weather paving or longer
hauls. Use of warm mix is rapidly expanding. A survey of US asphalt producers found that
nearly 25% of asphalt produced in 2012 was warm mix, a 416% increase since 2009.[7] Warm
mix asphalt represents a concrete opportunity to create, develop, and implement a cleaner
pavement process which leads to a significant decrease of pollutants and greenhouse gas
emissions.[8]
Cold-mix asphalt concrete
This is produced by emulsifying the asphalt in water with an emulsifying agent prior to mixing
with the aggregate. While in its emulsified state, the asphalt is less viscous and the mixture is
easy to work and compact. The emulsion will break after enough water evaporates and the
cold mix will, ideally, take on the properties of an HMA pavement. Cold mix is commonly
used as a patching material and on lesser trafficked service roads.
Cut-back asphalt concrete
Is a form of cold mix asphalt produced by dissolving the binder in kerosene or another lighter
fraction of petroleum prior to mixing with the aggregate. While in its dissolved state, the
asphalt is less viscous and the mix is easy to work and compact. After the mix is laid down
the lighter fraction evaporates. Because of concerns with pollution from the volatile organic
compounds in the lighter fraction, cut-back asphalt has been largely replaced by asphalt
emulsion.[9]
Mastic asphalt concrete, or sheet asphalt
This is produced by heating hard grade blown bitumen (i.e., partly oxidised) in a green
cooker (mixer) until it has become a viscous liquid after which the aggregate mix is then
added.
The bitumen aggregate mixture is cooked (matured) for around 6–8 hours and once it is
ready, the mastic asphalt mixer is transported to the work site where experienced layers
empty the mixer and either machine or hand lay the mastic asphalt contents on to the road.
 Mastic asphalt concrete is generally laid to a thickness of around  ⁄ –1  ⁄  inches (20–30 mm)
3
4
3
16

for footpath and road applications and around  ⁄  of an inch (10 mm) for flooring or roof
3
8

applications.
High-modulus asphalt concrete, sometimes referred to by the French-
language acronym EMÉ (enrobé à module élevé)
This uses a very hard bituminous formulation (penetration 10/20), sometimes modified, in
proportions close to 6% by weight of the aggregates, as well as a high proportion of mineral
powder (between 8–10%) to create an asphalt concrete layer with a high modulus of
elasticity (of the order of 13000 MPa). This makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the
base layer up to 25% (depending on the temperature) in relation to conventional bitumen,
[10]
 while offering as very high fatigue strengths.[11] High-modulus asphalt layers are used both
in reinforcement operations and in the construction of new reinforcements for medium and
heavy traffic. In base layers, they tend to exhibit a greater capacity of absorbing tensions
and, in general, better fatigue resistance.[12]
In addition to the asphalt and aggregate, additives, such as polymers, and
antistripping agents may be added to improve the properties of the final
product.
Areas paved with asphalt concrete—especially airport aprons—have been
called "the tarmac" at times, despite not being constructed using
the tarmacadam process.[13]
A variety of specialty asphalt concrete mixtures have been developed to
meet specific needs, such as stone-matrix asphalt, which is designed to
ensure a very strong wearing surface, or porous asphalt pavements, which
are permeable and allow water to drain through the pavement for controlling
stormwater.

Why is Asphalt used for Road Surface?

POSTED BY BLACKTOP PAVING ON JULY 2, 2018
Today, asphalt (also known as blacktop) is the most preferred choice of paving companies when it
comes to paving road surfaces. Over the years, this material has proven to be better than other
commonly used road construction materials. Asphalt has been a better choice for the countless
advantages it provides. Here are some advantages that make asphalt an ideal choice for road
surfaces.

Safer Roads
Asphalt creates the smoothest surface to drive on. Open-graded asphalt, a special type of road
surface, can even minimize splash and spray during monsoon and reduce accidents and skids on
roads. This way, asphalt gives people a smooth and comfortable ride.

Quick Construction
Asphalt roads can be paved just a lane at a time, minimizing disruption and long congestions. Also,
the paving projects can often be completed in one short day, even overnight, leaving routes open for
people. The material dries so fast that roads will not be blocked or held up for very long.

Economical Option
As the asphalt paving projects are completed in short duration, the overall cost involved in the
construction process (including the labor charges, contractor and engineer fees, machinery rent,
etc.) is also lower. Moreover, the cost of maintenance of asphalt roads is also relatively lower than
the alternative materials. As a result, asphalt is an economical paving material.

Durable Roads
Other benefits of asphalt roads are that they are durable and resilient. As there is hardly any material
mixing involved before laying the asphalt layers, there are lesser chances of incorrect asphalt paving
which may lead to issues in the future. Asphalt is resistant to extreme weather conditions. Also,
spalling, flaking or cracking are not the issues with asphalt roads.

Recyclable and Environment-friendly Roads

Another great thing about asphalt is that it is 100% recyclable. It can be used over and over, and its
life-cycle never ends. Asphalt roads can be dug up and then reused again. Post-consumer waste
such as used tires and shingles can also be reused in new asphalt pavement. This means that
asphalt roads are highly eco-friendly too.

Higher Energy Efficiency

Smooth asphalt reduces the friction between tires and roads, which means better fuel economy and
reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Special warm mix asphalt roads can be constructed at lower
temperatures, further reducing the energy required to heat asphalt materials for road paving.

Ideal Winter Solution

Lastly, asphalt provides comfort during extreme winters and snowfall. Asphalt helps keep roads free
from ice and snow. Its black color absorbs the sun’s heat efficiently. This means the snow melts
faster, thus reducing the cost of labor and the effort of maintaining it.

Want to know more surprising and unique benefits of asphalt? Or want to know if it is an ideal
material to build your driveway or parking lot too? Get all your asphalt paving-related questions
answered by one of the best paving companies in Edmonton.

Advantages of Asphalt Pavement

#1: Economical Advantage
Asphalt is very cost-effective material and time-efficient too. Asphalt dries very fast
and doesn’t need to block the road for a long time.

#2: Durability
Asphalt is a reliable weather resistant material which can be used for low and high
traffic as well. Asphalt can withstand the harshest weather condition.

#3: Safety
Asphalt paved road will have a feature that it gets smooth like finish. It offers drivers
skid resistance, splash back and better visual distinction between road markings.
#4: Recycling
Asphalt is a recyclable material. You can use it all over again because its lifecycle is
endless. When you’re repairing road then all the dug up asphalt can be used again for
the resealing.

#5: Maintenance
Asphalt is time-efficient and easy when it comes for repairing. If you provide your
asphalt a little routine maintenance then the deterioration of the surface can be
delayed.

Are you wondering if these are advantages then what can be the disadvantage?
It has some… Let’s look at those.

Disadvantages of Asphalt Pavement

#1: Care and Sealing
Asphalt pavement is more of maintenance than concrete. You need to reseal it every
3-5 year to prevent it from cracking. And after applying sealers you don’t have to
drive on the surface from a few hours to days.

#2: Cracks
If you’ve not mixed and laid asphalt properly then it’ll erode. Before paving you
should also take care or uneven surfaces and previous cracked surface. First, make
them compact and then pave.

#3: Construction
If you’d likely to get the best result from the asphalt then you should heat it to 250 to
350°F. Once the asphalt has been paved on the surface then it must be covered with
the sand or other aggregates to get more compaction and durable lifespan.
#4: Environmental Issues
Since asphalt is created from petroleum, it causes pollution when hydrocarbons are
released. Cutback asphalt which is used in creating asphalt cement releases more
hydrocarbons.

#5: Equipment
Asphalt, irrespective of the type used for the pavement requires heavy-equipment to
install. Unless you’ve paving equipment’s you won’t be able to lay down the asphalt.