You use it every day. You probably learned how to ride a bike on it. And you probably need it more than you realize. Asphalt is one of the main ingredients used in modern society thanks to popular roadway systems. However, you probably don’t know what asphalt paving completely entails. You might have seen it getting laid down or installed once or twice, but what exactly is asphalt paving? Our Utah asphalt experts rounded up everything you need to know about asphalt, so you can choose the right asphalt paving company next time you need one.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates, binders, and fillers. The entire mix used in asphalt paving includes several elements like crushed rock, gravel, slags, or sand. However, there are new developments in the manufacturing of asphalt added in the ingredient list that is more sustainable and efficient. A few options include demolition and construction debris. These environmentally conscious efforts help recycle and re-purpose by-products that would otherwise fall to the wayside.
Asphalt paving uses the asphalt mixture in the construction and repair of roadways, parking lots, railway tracks, sidewalks, and other surfaces in what is called asphalt patching.
How is Asphalt Made?
The asphalt manufacturing involves binding the aggregates into a cohesive mixture. There are a variety of ways manufacturers accomplish this, but the most popular choices include bitumen and new bio-based options. Most asphalts are produced at an asphalt plant, which can generate up to 800 tons of asphalt every hour.
For the mixture to combine during the hot mixture process correctly, the production temperature should range between 302 and 356 °F. There are newer techniques available, including hot mix asphalt, warm mix asphalt, and cold-mix asphalt. However, the most popular type among asphalt manufacturers is hot mix asphalt.
Let’s look at the different types so you can better understand which choice is right for your project.
Hot Mix Asphalt
As mentioned before, hot mix asphalt is a popular choice for many roadways and construction projects thanks to their durability. Hot asphalt mixes are generally produced at a temperature between 302 and 356 °F. Manufacturers can also mix different aggregates using this method depending on the needs of the project.
Warm Mix Asphalt
This type of asphalt paving involves decreasing the temperature during the manufacturing process of about 68 – 104 °F lower than its equivalent Hot Mix Asphalt process. One of the main benefits of this process is that it requires fewer fumes, therefore producing fewer fumes. It also improves working conditions for the crew as they install the asphalt mixture.
Cold Mix Asphalt
Cold mix asphalt is a newer product in the asphalt industry that uses bitumen binder in a water emulsion process. This helps produce a coating that binds the aggregates together and breaks away during compaction and mixing. As the asphalt paving cures, the water will evaporate and strengthen. However, it isn’t as durable as other mixtures and mainly used on roadways with light traffic.
What are the Different Surface Layers Used on Asphalt Paving?
Another essential factor you should consider when installing asphalt is which surface layer would be best. The surface course is made up of the top layer of the asphalt. This layer will receive the most damage and use, so there needs to be enough texture to keep the road safe. You must pay close attention to the conditions of the location where the pavement will go. Some of these elements include:
- Weather
- Degree of Use
- Type of Roadway
- Water Drainage
Depending on these conditions, you can select a surface layer that provides varying degrees of skid resistance, noise reduction, and durability. There are several surface layer products available. As you work with your asphalt paving contractor, you can find the option that best suits your needs. Some options include:
- 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)
Utah Asphalt Paving at Morgan Pavement
If you need asphalt paving in Utah or Arizona, look no further than Morgan Pavement. Simply stated, our asphalt pavements are designed and built to last. Our roads and parking lots are constructed in layers, with each layer playing its part in delivering the best infrastructure possible. When it’s all laid down, asphalt pavements can handle the harshest traffic punishment.
Whether on the road, in a parking lot, or at an airport, asphalt pavements add up to the best value for the taxpayer dollar, with the lowest life cycle cost and the highest residual value. Morgan Pavement also offers asphalt maintenance, repair, earthwork, and new construction services.
Count on us to get your community or commercial project up-and-running in no time. Contact us to learn more.
