Asphalt pavement is made up of several components, including stone aggregate, sand, additives, and liquid asphalt (petroleum). Once combined, the final product consists of 90-95% aggregate and 5-10% asphalt.
Creating Asphalt Pavement
- Predose: The aggregate components of asphalt pavement are weighed using a belt weighing instrument, so that the materials can simultaneously be weighed and taken to the next step in the process.
- Drying: A rotary drying drum is used to dry the components at around 300 degrees.
- Storage: The preheated or dried components are now sifted and store in silos.
- Mixing: The aggregates are then transferred to the mixer. Both the aggregate and binder are mixed thoroughly to form the paving material.
- Storage Round 2: After the hot asphalt mix is created it is transported to a heated silo, where it is stored and kept hot until it is ready to be used.
Surface Preparation
There is a great deal of surface preparation that must be performed before the asphalt pavement can be applied. This process includes proper clearing, excavation, ground compaction, and the application of liquid asphalt binder and base materials (compacted stone or asphalt base).
Without proper surface preparation, the life of the paved surface is greatly reduced.
- The application of liquid asphalt binder helps the newly paved surface create a greater bond between it and the surface.
- The asphalt pavement mix is laid using an asphalt paver and compacted using asphalt rollers. Proper rolling methods have to be used to ensure proper compaction.
- Once the asphalt is compacted, it is left to solidify for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Enjoy (after you sealcoat your asphalt surface, of course)!
If you have any further questions about Asphalt Pavement or have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of pavement projects and have the experience you need.
Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.
