Owing to the growth in technology, asphalt pavements and roads were introduced to offer sturdier and smoother road surfaces. This development was driven by asphalt. This is a sticky black or brown viscous petroleum product. Also known as bitumen, asphalt is used to bind rocks/stone, sand, and additives into roads, driveways, dam escarpments, and commercial and residential buildings.
Asphalt paving has catalyzed growth and development through increased infrastructure development by governments and private entities. Upon contracting Asphalt Paving Company will use manpower and equipment to deliver exceptional pathways for a guaranteed return on investment within the project budget and time.
TYPES OF ASPHALT PAVING
The following are types of paving based on the equipment and asphalt used to bind the materials to build pathways:
- Perpetual Asphalt Paving – As the name suggests, this type can last up to 50 years with good maintenance. It uses a multi-layered process starting with a strong, versatile base to resist cracks caused by traffic tension on the bottom of the road. This is followed by a strong middle layer to provide structure then topped up with a smooth surface layer that is rut-resistant known as the driving surface. The outer layer can be removed after suffering wear and tear and replaced while the other layers remain intact.
- Porous asphalt paving – A good quality of asphalt paving is managing drainage. This type of paving is usually employed in building parking lots for the management of stormwater pools. Permeable asphalt is layered on an open-graded stone bed to allow water to drain into the soil. This helps prevent the cracking of the driving surface layer which can lead to potholes. The method is also useful in stormwater management.
- Quiet asphalt paving – Preferred in residential driveways, this type of paving helps to reduce noise caused by the impact of the tire on the road surface. The pavements are made using a stone-matrix asphalt or a finely graded asphalt mixture that helps dissipate the friction between the road surface and tire. It’s also a much more cost-effective method to curb noise pollution than building sound barriers.
- Warm mix asphalt paving – This comparatively hot type at 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit is the most preferred when project timelines are tight. It allows for paving to extend in the off-season and can be produced in bulk by incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement for improved long-term durability. The method also contributes to environmental conservation from reduced production of greenhouse and lower fuel consumption. The contractors and workers applying it also appreciate the safety associated with its cooler temperatures.
- Hot mix asphalt paving – As the name suggests, this method employs the use of scorching asphalt also known as bitumen at 270 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the most commonly used type of paving because its strong, cost-effective, and has low maintenance. It also offers protection against the elements but also allows for a great-looking, smooth surface. This type can further be classified as follows based on the application method:
- Dense-graded mix – Less permeable due to high density.
- Stone Matrix asphalt – More durable owing to increased asphalt content, binder, and fibers.
- Open-graded mixes – More permeable and used to create porous mixtures.
CONCLUSION
The choice of asphalt paving to use should be informed by a professional contractor and is guided by the type of road surface and budget for the project. A good understanding of the different varieties can help a stakeholder make informed decisions for their unique paving situations. These may road surfaces may include; airport runways, racetracks, schoolyards, tennis courts, outdoor recreation courts, ramps, bridges, and rail tracks.
