What is Asphalt?

-The word is derived from the Ancient Greek ἄσφαλτος “ásphaltos”.

- - A heavy, dark brown to black mineral substance, one of several mixtures of

hydrocarbons called bitumens
- The material that binds the crushed stone and gravel, referred to as aggregate, together to
create a strong hard surface
- It is also a strong, versatile weather and chemical-resistant binding material which adapts
itself to a variety of uses.
- It also binds crushed stone and gravel into firm, tough surfaces for roads, streets, and
airport runways
- Also known as mineral pitch, which is obtained from either natural deposits such as
native asphalt or brea or as a byproduct of the petroleum industry (petroleum asphalt).
- Is one of the world’s oldest engineering materials, having been used since the beginning
of civilization
- Ancient civilizations widely used asphalt as a mortar for building and paving blocks used
in temples, irrigations systems, reservoirs, and highways.
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- A reliable weather resistant material ad can be designed for low and high traffic
conditions.
- Asphalt can withstand the harshest of weathers and the heaviest of semi-trailers.

Uses of Asphalt

-The primary use (70%) of asphalt is in road construction, where it is used as the glue or
binder mixed with aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete

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Why choose Asphalt than Concrete ?

 Asphalt provides a nicer, smoother, often quieter ride

 Simpler repairs: For counties and small villages, asphalt is attractive because these
agencies have the relatively simple equipment that can accomplish patching when
maintenance is necessary.
 Less time curing
 Cheaper than Concrete
 Asphalt dries much more rapidly than concrete; vehicles may begin using it within hours.
This advantage is particularly valuable in busy areas where people cannot afford to
disrupt traffic for multiple days
 Asphalt usually needs more repairs and sealants, but it is less difficult to fix
