Asphalt is a versatile and durable material used to construct roads, driveways, parking lots, and more. Its durability and cost-effectiveness make it popular for most construction projects.

The asphalt that you drive on is made of aggregate materials such as crushed stone and sand combined with bitumen. The ingredients are heated at over 300 degrees to create a hot mix of asphalt. Contact Asphalt Paving Charleston now!

Asphalt is a paving material that’s extensively used for road construction. Its durability and smooth surface provide safe passage for vehicles, despite heavy traffic loads and harsh weather conditions. In order for asphalt pavements to perform properly, they need to be constructed using a specific mixture of aggregate, binder, and filler materials. The mix design is based on specific project requirements like traffic volume and climate. The resulting material is produced in an asphalt plant and carefully regulated to ensure consistency and quality.

The first step in asphalt production is to heat and dry the aggregate components. This is done to eliminate moisture and prepare them for mixing with bitumen. Specialized equipment is usually used to dry the aggregates at roughly 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because it can have a significant impact on the overall composition of the final product. Aggregate components with a greater affinity for water (hydrophobic) can suffer from stripping after exposure to water, while those that have a more significant affinity for asphalt cement (hydrophilic) are less likely to experience this problem.

After the drying process, the aggregate components are heated and combined with liquid bitumen in an asphalt plant. Control systems within the plant regulate temperature, flow rate, and mixing ratios to ensure high-quality asphalt mixtures. This is particularly important for larger projects like highways and freeways, where the consistency of the material is critical to ensuring proper construction.

Another important aspect of the asphalt production process is recycling old pavement. This not only reduces the need for new materials, but also saves on energy consumption and emissions. In fact, recycled asphalt is one of the most sustainable construction materials in America and can often be of a higher quality than that made from entirely new materials.

Moreover, innovative technologies are being developed to optimize the asphalt production process and make it more environmentally friendly. For example, warm mix asphalt is similar to HMA but can be produced and applied at lower temperatures, which can lead to energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Installation

Asphalt is a popular choice for road construction and large-scale paving projects because it offers a combination of durability, cost-effectiveness, and easy maintenance. Its smooth surface also helps improve driver comfort and reduces noise levels. However, the asphalt paving process is not as simple as laying down a new layer of blacktop and needs to be done correctly in order to last for 30 years or more.

For the most stable, long-lasting asphalt pavement, it’s important to follow a tried and true seven-step process. This includes stripping the existing surface, preparing the site, creating a supportive base, adding the aggregate base, applying the binder, and finally putting on the surfacing.

First, the old surface must be removed, either by using a mechanical bulldozer or by hand if it’s in particularly bad condition. This step is necessary to remove any damaged, loose, or unstable parts of the pavement and give the contractors a clean slate to work with.

Once the old surface has been removed, the contractor will grade and compact the underlying soil to prepare it for the addition of the aggregate base. This is the foundation of your future asphalt surface and must be strong enough to support the weight of the surfacing material. If the contractor discovers any soft areas during this stage, a process called undercutting will be used to repair them.

After the aggregate base has been laid and any soft spots have been repaired, it’s time to add the binding agent – which is essentially oil and large aggregate mixed together. This layer is what holds the surfacing material in place, and without it, your asphalt would quickly crumble. The binder is added in a thick layer and allowed to fully set before the surfacing material is put down.

The final phase of an asphalt installation is to apply the surfacing material, typically a mix of smaller aggregate, sand, and bitumen. The hot asphalt is transported to the paving area in dump trucks, spread evenly by an asphalt paver, and then compacted with heavy rollers multiple times to eliminate any air pockets. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth, even surface that will be safe for driving on.

Maintenance

Asphalt is a durable material that resists traffic and weather conditions, but like any surface it requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Asphalt maintenance typically involves surface treatments, crack filling, and sealcoating. It is important to perform regular maintenance on your asphalt parking lot, driveway, or road to ensure its structural integrity and to maximize the lifespan of the surface.

Asphalt surfaces that are in good condition with few visible signs of distress may benefit from preventive services, such as chip seals or slurry seals. These services keep the pavement from deteriorating by minimizing the number of cracks and holes, and they extend the life of the existing asphalt by preventing water intrusion into the sub-base layer.

For more severe surface damage, milling and resurfacing is a suitable repair method. This involves pulverizing the existing asphalt surface and some of the underlying base layer, mixing it, and then laying new asphalt. It is often used to address deep surface cracking, rutting, and depressions that are a result of heavy traffic or poor initial construction. Milling can also be used to correct uneven pavement thickness.

In addition to surface treatments and repairs, asphalt maintenance can include preventative measures, such as routine power sweeping and inspections. It is also advisable to maintain proper drainage, since standing water can weaken the surface and lead to permanent damage.

The type of maintenance required for an asphalt surface varies depending on its location and usage. For example, a driveway can require less maintenance than a parking lot or road, since it experiences lighter traffic. However, all types of asphalt surfaces need to be regularly inspected and maintained, as even seemingly minor damage can increase over time and lead to more costly repair or replacement work.

When performing asphalt maintenance, it is essential to wear appropriate safety equipment. This includes gloves, eye protection, and high visibility clothing. It is also a good idea to place warning signs or barricades on the property to alert people that maintenance is being conducted. Other necessary maintenance equipment can include brooms and blowers for cleaning, crack sealing machines, and sealcoating sprayers.

Repair

Asphalt is an incredibly resilient and versatile material, making it the preferred choice for parking lots, roads, and driveways. However, even the toughest materials require regular repair and maintenance to maintain their performance and lifespan. Whether you’re a property owner dealing with damage from snow or heavy traffic, or a contractor in charge of installing new asphalt, understanding the different types of repairs can help you make the best decision for your specific situation.

Routine Inspections

In addition to catching problems early, routine inspections can save money in the long run by preventing them from getting worse over time. Identifying and repairing small cracks or potholes as they appear can prevent them from growing and damaging the entire surface.

Sealcoating

Reapplying a protective coating to an asphalt surface is a great way to extend its life. It helps to stop water from leaking into the sub-grade layers and causing further damage. It also provides a smoother, more attractive surface for drivers and vehicles.

Block Cracking

When block cracking appears, the foundation layer beneath the asphalt has eroded. This can be a result of heavy traffic, poor drainage or installation error. A patching and re-sealing job is typically required to fix this type of damage.

Fatigue Cracking

Also called alligator cracking, fatigue cracking is one of the most common ways that asphalt deteriorates. It gets its name because of the pattern of cracking that resembles the scales on an alligator’s back. This type of cracking is often caused by structural failures in the pavement combined with continuous heavy traffic. An asphalt expert can recommend a long term repair method.

Loose Pavement

If the surface of your asphalt is crumbling, loose or sinking, it’s important to have it repaired quickly. In some cases, the only permanent solution is to remove and replace the affected area. This is particularly true if it’s due to base failure.

A less invasive repair option is milling, which involves removing the top layer of asphalt without disturbing the underlying base. This can be done at a fraction of the cost of a full repave, but it’s still recommended to have an asphalt professional diagnose the cause of your damage before proceeding.