Asphalt construction requires far less time than other paving materials, reducing the number of orange barrels and road closures. This also cuts down on traffic congestion. Asphalt’s rubbery properties allow it to adjust to weather and season changes. It withstands rutting during the summer and harsh freeze/thaw cycles during the winter.
Asphalt Paving Philadelphia is not a one-size-fits-all material. Its durability is a function of the mixture, thickness, and compaction, as well as environmental factors such as traffic and weather. It is also influenced by how it is constructed and maintained. Choosing the right contractor for your project is the first step in ensuring long-lasting asphalt. Look for an experienced contractor willing to provide references from previous clients. If you have any concerns, ask for examples of their work to see the quality of their workmanship.
The durability of asphalt pavement is largely affected by air voids, which can be reduced by increasing the density of the mixture. Using a higher density can reduce the number of potholes and extend the life of the pavement. However, achieving high pavement densities requires careful construction and precise testing. AI’s Senior Regional Engineer Dave Johnson has been leading the efforts to educate contractors about this issue.
The base course is a structural layer of the asphalt pavement that distributes traffic and environmental loading. It must be able to resist shear stresses and provide stability, which can be achieved by adequate stone-on-stone contact and stiff, modified binders. It should also show good fatigue resistance.
In addition to the above-mentioned considerations, base course density is important for asphalt paving durability. A higher density allows the mix to better resist shear stress and reduce rutting. It also increases the stiffness of the mixture and improves fatigue resistance.
Another key factor to consider when evaluating the durability of asphalt is its resistance to cracking. A cracking surface can be a sign of poor quality or substandard construction. It can also indicate the need for a repair or replacement of the asphalt. The cracks can also be a safety concern, especially if they are causing damage to cars and pedestrians.
The best way to ensure the durability of your asphalt is to maintain it. Keeping it in good condition by regularly examining and cleaning it can prevent the formation of potholes and other issues. In addition, it is a good idea to have any problems fixed as soon as they appear.
Recyclability
Asphalt pavements are incredibly durable, and they also have the added benefit of being fully recyclable. This is especially important because a lot of the material used to build asphalt roads and driveways comes from natural resources. If you are considering hiring an asphalt contractor, be sure to ask them how they recycle their materials and where they plan on taking their leftovers. If they don’t know, be sure to contact your local solid waste district to see if they have any recycling centers that accept these types of materials. If they don’t, be sure to contact a private company that will take your asphalt waste.
The asphalt that is removed from road surfaces is often recycled into new asphalt pavements, which reduces the need for virgin aggregates and bitumen. This process is known as Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP). The asphalt in RAP mixtures contains aged bituminous binder that coats the recycled aggregates, and this coating can be reclaimed and used in other asphalt mixtures. In fact, RAP is the most recycled product in America, and it saves almost 100 million tons of waste each year.
When used correctly, asphalt additives and extenders can greatly improve the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures. These materials can increase the dynamic modulus of the mixtures and allow higher RAP content without sacrificing long-term performance. These additives are also environmentally friendly, and they are often derived from renewable sources, such as used cooking oil or residues from corn stover.
These products can be used to make hot mix asphalt more dense, which increases the longevity of the pavement and decreases its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. These additives can also be used to reduce the amount of reclaimed bitumen needed, and they can help reduce the need for petroleum-based fuels.
In addition, these additives can increase the durability of asphalt mixtures and help them resist rutting and bleeding. They can also be used to reduce the need for water and admixtures in cold mix asphalt mixes. The most commonly used additives are lime and gypsum, but other ingredients can also be added to reduce the need for petroleum-based admixtures.
Safety
Asphalt and pavement are common road construction materials. However, both pose safety risks to workers and the public. Taking the proper precautions is vital to ensuring safe work environments and a smooth road surface. It is also important to keep in mind that both asphalt and pavement are flammable, so the entire worksite must be well-lit and free of any combustible material.
One of the biggest dangers when working with asphalt is thermal exposure. The material is heated to very high temperatures during the paving process and can burn or irritate skin. Additionally, the chemicals in the asphalt can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause illness and/or injury. To avoid this risk, the crew must wear appropriate protective gear and ensure that it is always in good condition. This includes thermally insulated gloves, an 8 inch minimum-sized face shield, and chemical goggles that fit tightly over the eyes. The crew should never stand near the hopper when asphalt is being discharged and should always stay clear of machinery.
It is also important to ensure that the asphalt is cooled before it is loaded into trucks or used on the road. The temperature of the asphalt should be below 212 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent a potential fire hazard and allow the truck to operate safely on the road. The temperature of the asphalt will be affected by weather conditions, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Lastly, asphalt can be a tripping hazard for pedestrians and drivers. It is a good idea to mark any potential hazards on the work site with signs or barriers. Likewise, it is important to clean up any loose debris from the worksite regularly. This can help reduce accidents and injuries for everyone involved.
As with any hazardous materials, training on the chemicals and work procedures associated with asphalt is essential to reducing safety hazards. Workers should be trained on the specific chemicals, their boiling point and flash point, as well as recommended PPE and emergency procedures. Additionally, it is important to make sure that warning signs are posted and that the SDS is readily available.
Cost
Asphalt is less expensive than concrete and can be a cost-effective option for large areas. However, it is prone to temperature shifts and requires regular maintenance to keep it from cracking or breaking down. Moreover, it has a lower lifespan than other paving materials and may need to be repaved more frequently. In addition, the production and transportation of asphalt contributes to environmental pollution. Therefore, it is important to choose a sustainable alternative.
The process of installing a new asphalt surface involves 6 steps: demolition and removal of the existing pavement, grading and sloping that helps water to drain away from the asphalt, preparation of the sub base to support the new pavement, adding the binder layer to make it strong and durable, installation of the new asphalt surface, and a final roll to smooth the surface. In addition, many paving contractors offer additional services such as sealing and patching to prolong the life of your asphalt surface.
When selecting a contractor, be sure to check their qualifications. Look for a paving company that has experience and is certified by the state Department of Transportation asphalt training programs or the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT). Also, ask if they are willing to provide references from previous customers. Finally, be sure to get a detailed estimate and warranty before starting the project.
Before the construction starts, the contractor should prepare the site. This includes grading and sloped to drain away from the pavement, placing the base, compacting, and adding the asphalt surface. The contractor must also inspect the sub base to ensure that it is strong enough to hold the asphalt. In addition, the contractor should check for soft or muddy spots and dig them up and fill them with gravel.
When choosing an asphalt mix, you should know that the price of the mix varies depending on how much material is needed for your project. You can cut costs by limiting the amount of virgin asphalt, using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and adding lower cost additives. You should also consider the climate where you live and what kind of surface you want to create. For example, porous asphalt allows oxygen and water vapor to pass through, which helps natural drainage and can save you money in the long run.
