Asphalt Paving
Paved asphalt surfaces are designed to provide all-weather use. The aesthetics of any property are enhanced by the clean, smooth look of professionally constructed pavement. Other benefits include enhanced safety because tripping hazards are minimized, improved dust control, and reduced maintenance time.
Asphalt paving falls into two categories:
New Construction |
Complete Removal and Replacement of Existing Asphalt |
| New Construction: As the name implies, New Construction is the building of new asphalt surfaces. First excavation and grading of the area are performed as necessary to establish desired grade and drainage. Next an aggregate base course (ABC) is placed and compacted. Finally, a specifically designed asphalt mix is applied to present a finished surface based on the customers needs. | Removal and Replacement Of Existing Asphalt: Deterioration of asphalt can occur as a result of lack of maintenance, overuse, or simply living past its life expectancy. In such cases, old asphalt pavement may need to be removed and replaced or refurbished with one of the following options: |
How well the liquid asphalt works (its physical properties) depends upon the chemistry of the crude oil source and the method used to refine it, as well as any additives used. How well the aggregate material works (its physical properties) depends upon its chemistry, size and shape. How well the asphalt mixture used on your paving project works (its physical properties) depends upon the relative proportions of the components as well as the physical properties of each of the components.
The strength and quality of the pavement depend on:
- The physical properties of the mix
- The design of the pavement structure
- The quality of the construction
Using materials with inferior physical properties (not enough strength, stickiness or elasticity) results in poor quality pavements (rutting, cracking, potholes). A pavement structure design that doesn’t allow water to quickly get away or that isn’t strong enough to support the traffic results in poor quality pavements (rutting, cracking, potholes). And poor quality construction…..well, you get the idea.