Asphalt is a highly durable pavement material that’s used in roads, highways, streets and driveways. It’s a mix of aggregate, sand, additives and liquid asphalt that is placed and compacted by highly specialized paving equipment to produce a smooth pavement surface.
Planning your Asphalt paving is key to ensuring it lasts. There are many steps that must be taken into account before, during and after laying the asphalt. The first step is to properly prepare the area being paved. This is done by clearing the site of any debris like tree stumps, roots and large rocks. This allows for a clean slate and a level surface that will last longer.
The next step is to grade the area. This is done by preparing the sub-grade and ensuring proper drainage. It is also inspected for any soft areas that need to be repaired. This can be done with bobcats, front loaders, or dump trucks.
Once the sub-grade has been prepared, the asphalt mix can be laid. This is a carefully crafted mixture of aggregates and binder, depending on the specific use of the pavement. It is made at an asphalt plant to ensure consistency and quality.
When it comes to selecting the right asphalt mix for your project, it depends on the climate and traffic volume in your region. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most common type of asphalt in use. It contains coarse and fine aggregate and a binder that’s heated, creating a sticky mixture that can be easily poured and compacted into place. HMA is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy traffic loads.
Another popular option is cold mix asphalt. This is a more affordable option that uses a lower grade of asphalt and doesn’t require as much heat to cure. This type of asphalt is ideal for regions with mild climates and can be used to repair existing pavement, especially in poor condition.
Once the asphalt has been mixed and loaded into the paver, a conveyor system is used to transfer it to the screed. It is then spread across the pavement surface using a variety of systems including tampers, vibrators and pressure bars to pre-compact the asphalt. The asphalt is then rolled and compacted by a roller, which ensures that it’s fully integrated and tightly packed for maximum durability. It takes about 15 minutes to fully compact the asphalt. This is a critical step that can lead to pavement failure if not performed correctly. It’s important to choose a reputable contractor who has experience and understands the importance of this step in the process.