Asphalt, which was initially used to create waterproof layers and bind them with other materials (such

as glue), was first used to build roads in Babylon around 625 BC. Asphalt is a black or dark brown
adhesive material with bitumen as its main component, obtained from the residue of petroleum
refining. It functions as a binder for aggregates in road construction.

Types of Asphalt
There are three common types of asphalt used as construction materials for road pavement:

1. Natural Asphalt: Natural asphalt is found in Buton Island (Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia), France,
Switzerland, and the United States.

2. Manufactured Asphalt: Manufactured asphalt is a residue of petroleum distillation, and its

characteristics depend on the type of petroleum being distilled.

3. Polymer Asphalt: Polymer asphalt is a material produced by modifying natural or synthetic polymers
with asphalt.

Advantages of Asphalt:
1. Smoother road surface.
2. More economical price.
3. Lower noise production.
4. Easier to repair.
5. Warmer color.
6. Faster construction time.

Disadvantages of Asphalt:
1. Less durable.
2. Dependence on soil conditions.
3. Requires regular maintenance.
4. Requires a drainage system.

The functions or uses of asphalt include:

- Binding aggregates to prevent them from detaching from the road surface due to traffic loads or water
stagnation.
- Acting as a surface layer and binding material for aggregates.
- Filling voids between coarse and fine aggregates.

Asphalt Production Process:

1. Mapping Process: The width of the road, soil characteristics, and road coordinates are measured and
determined before asphalt placement.
2. Second Cleaning Process: During this stage, the road is shaped, soft spots are minimized, and debris is
cleared from the surrounding area.
3. Stripping Process: This phase involves road and embankment construction.
4. Soil Compaction Process: The soil is compacted in this process, also known as the subgrade process.
5. Subbase Layer Process: This process is crucial in asphalt pavement as it serves as a water-permeable
layer, strengthens the asphalt road, and reduces the layer above it.
6. Base Course Process: This process is still related to road pavement. This layer is designed to provide
full road support.
7. Hot Mixing Process: This process is essential in asphalt placement. The method involves layering using
ATB-type asphalt or asphalt maintenance base.
8. Paving: This stage is the core of asphalt placement. It involves laying a hot mix asphalt surface and
compacting it with a tandem roller.
9. Finishing: This method uses a pneumatic roller to compress and level the road surface.

Asphalt Composition:
Asphalt consists of 80% carbon, 10% hydrogen, 6% sulfur, and the remainder is oxygen, nitrogen, and
trace amounts of iron, nickel, and vanadium.

Equipment Used in Asphalt Production:

1. Excavator
2. Dump Truck
3. Water Tank Truck
4. Vibratory Roller
5. Motor Grader
6. Pneumatic Tire Roller
7. Tandem Roller
8. Asphalt Finisher
9. Conventional Equipment
10. Infrared Thermometer
11. Asphalt Distributor
12. Core Drill Equipment
13. Sand Cone Equipment
14. CBR Equipment