If you are thinking about having any surface re-paved – driveways, parking lots, roadways, airstrips – asphalt pavement is the way to go. Known for its durability and resilience, asphalt pavement is the best option for most all paved surfaces. If laid properly by a professional pavement company, asphalt pavement should last between 25 and 35 years. But what is asphalt pavement?
This article from PavemanPro.com explains.
Asphalt pavement is made up of a combination of stone (aggregate), sand, additives and liquid (petroleum) asphalt. This mixture is about 90% aggregate and sand and 10% asphalt. This combination forms a highly durable material that still maintains superior flexibility, allowing the surface to adapt to changing conditions produced by weather and the constantly changing surface beneath it. On top of its superior flexibility, asphalt pavement is also highly resistant to water, making it even more durable.
Steps involved in laying asphalt pavement:
1. Preparation: Unless the asphalt is being laid over existing asphalt (overlay), it is the preparation of the ground beneath the pavement that is the most influential factor in the life of an asphalt pavement surface. Proper clearing, excavation, ground compaction and base materials require a great deal of expertise. Base materials can be compacted stone and/or an asphalt base with it’s own unique recipe. Regardless, without proper groundwork the life of the paved surface is greatly reduced.
2. Spray a thin coat of liquid asphalt binder (hot tack) onto the surface using an asphalt distributor. This helps the newly paved surface create a greater bond between it and the surface beneath it.
3. Lay the asphalt pavement using an asphalt paver and compacted using asphalt rollers.
4. A minimum of 24 hours is required for the asphalt mix to solidify before it can be used. If enough time is not allowed for solidification, then it will result in poor a quality pavement.
5. Asphalt maintenance – including cracksealing, pothole patching and sealcoating – can all be used to protect and extend the life of the already long life cycle of asphalt pavement.
If you have any questions or if you think asphalt pavement might be right for your next project, contact PTG Enterprises by calling 410-636-8777 or click here
