Asphalt is a mixture of simple ingredients that is mixed and poured at high heat. The mix ratio and the temperature of these ingredients impact its durability, strength, longevity, and look.

Asphalt is durable and easy to maintain. It also offers many design options for a unique look. When done right, it will last for decades and can avoid costly repairs that involve orange barrels and lane closures. Discover More Here by reading the article below.
Asphalt is an eco-friendly material that’s recycled and reused to create durable, high-quality paved surfaces. It’s also much more versatile than concrete, allowing it to be mixed and blended with other materials to add strength or provide unique aesthetics. However, even though it’s a more sustainable option, asphalt still requires proper preparation and installation to guarantee that it will last for years to come.
Preparation is the first step in the paving process, and it involves clearing any debris or obstacles from the site, grading the area for proper drainage, and making sure the foundation is strong enough to support the asphalt surface. This is done with a variety of different equipment, including large machines like dump trucks and backhoes.
Once the site is ready, the base layer is installed. This consists of crushed stone or gravel and is crucial for creating a sturdy foundation. It’s then compacted by using rollers while it’s still hot to remove any air pockets and ensure that the base is dense and solid.
Next, the asphalt mix is created. This is a combination of coarse aggregate, such as sand and crushed rock, and a binder, which is typically bitumen, a byproduct of oil refining. The coarse aggregate makes up the majority of the asphalt mixture, and the binder binds it together, creating the dark, flexible, and durable material we all recognize as asphalt.
This mix is stored in a heated silo, which helps maintain the high temperature needed to properly install the material. It’s then transported to the paving site in dump trucks where it can be used to pave the road or parking lot.
Before the asphalt is applied, a texture mat is laid down to give the finished surface its distinctive sloping and texture. This layer is especially important in high-traffic areas, such as roads and highways, where the pavement needs to be able to handle extreme amounts of stress. The sloping of the texture mat also helps prevent water from pooling in these areas, which can cause potholes and other problems down the line. Once the mat is in place, it’s time to apply the actual asphalt. The pavement is layered onto the prepared base, and it’s compacted again with rollers while it’s still hot to eliminate any remaining air pockets and ensure that the asphalt is secure and strong.
Spreading
Asphalt paving is applied on top of a base material, typically crushed stone or gravel. The materials are mixed in an asphalt paver to create a smooth and durable surface that resists water and can withstand heavy traffic. There are many important details in the process, including the proper temperature of the mix and the precision in laying and compacting it. Asphalt mixes that appear similar can perform very differently, depending on the skill and care that goes into making them.
Unlike concrete, which is poured in large slabs and left to cure, asphalt can be laid quickly and in layers. This allows paving to happen faster and minimizes disruption to the surrounding area. It also makes it easier to repair damaged areas.
The asphalt paving process starts with clearing the area of debris and grading it for proper drainage and strength. This is followed by spreading the chosen paving material on the surface, usually in an even layer with a tamper or mechanical roller. Once the paving is in place, specialized rollers mechanically compact it to remove any air pockets and achieve a dense and durable surface that is resistant to weathering and damage.
To create the asphalt pavement, a combination of aggregates like sand and gravel are mixed with bitumen (also known as petroleum). The high viscosity of bitumen holds the aggregates together, creating a strong and durable paving material. The mixture is heated in a mixer to help the bitumen bond with the aggregates. Once the mixture is ready, it can be transported to the construction site where it is poured onto the paved area.
As the pavement is being spread, a screed blade moves across the surface to ensure it is level. This helps to prevent the formation of ruts and bumps in the road or driveway. It also improves the longevity of the paved surface by reducing the amount of stress that is put on the pavement by vehicles. The amount of damage caused by a vehicle is proportional to the weight of the axle divided by the number of wheels, so doubling the number of tires causes 16 times as much wear.
Compaction
Asphalt is a durable, cost-effective paving material that can be used for both new construction and resurfacing projects. It is environmentally friendly because it can be recycled and reused, reducing the demand for new raw materials. It also provides smooth surfaces that reduce the friction between tires and the road, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
The process of creating asphalt begins with the mixing of aggregates and bitumen in an asphalt plant. The mixture is then heated and stored in silos until it is ready to be transported to the construction site. Upon arrival, the asphalt is spread and compacted using specialized machinery. This is a critical step because it helps ensure that the asphalt is dense and durable.
During the compaction phase, rollers are used to push down and compress the asphalt pavement. This eliminates air pockets and creates a tight, smooth surface that will last. Several different types of rollers are used, including handheld vibratory rollers and large, steel-wheeled machines that can cover vast areas in a single pass.
Once the asphalt is compacted, it is inspected to ensure that it meets quality standards. This includes checking for smoothness, thickness and consistency. The paving is then covered with a protective seal coating to prevent oxidation, water penetration and UV damage. Regular maintenance like crack sealing and patching can extend the life of the asphalt.
Asphalt paving is a fast and cost-effective way to build roads, runways and parking lots. It’s durable, eco-friendly and easy to maintain. In addition, it’s fast to install, which means businesses can get back to work more quickly. Asphalt is also a sustainable paving option because old asphalt can be reclaimed and recycled into new pavement, eliminating the need to extract and transport fresh raw materials. This process also helps reduce waste and reduces the need for virgin oil, which is a finite resource. By maintaining the quality of their asphalt, contractors can ensure that their clients receive a high-quality product that will last for years to come. Todd Mansell is a Product Application Specialist for Caterpillar and has extensive experience in the construction industry, working as an asphalt laboratory technician, field inspector, paving quality manager and quality control manager. He has also developed and delivered paving and compaction training courses to private and public sector employers in Canada and the United States. He is a frequent presenter at industry trade shows and conferences, including World of Asphalt 2022 and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017.
Sealing
Asphalt is one of the most constructible pavements available, making it a popular choice for roadways and parking lots. It’s easy to repair and can be installed quickly, allowing businesses and commuters to maintain normal operations without major disruption. Asphalt is also a more eco-friendly alternative to concrete, as it can be recycled and reused whereas concrete requires disposal at a special facility.
Once a new layer of asphalt is laid, it needs time to cool and harden. Traffic should be kept off the new surface until it is fully cured, which can take up to a year. Once the asphalt is completely cooled and dry, it can be sealed to protect the surface from weather damage, oil spills and other chemicals. Asphalt can be sealed with coal tar, alternative-based or acrylic sealer. Your paving contractor will be able to advise you which is best for your situation.
When properly maintained, asphalt can last for decades. But it must be resealed regularly to prevent cracking, fading and general wear and tear. It is a good idea to hire a professional paving company to perform asphalt services, including sealcoating and crack filling, on both residential and commercial properties. They can assess the condition of the asphalt and recommend a maintenance schedule that will ensure your parking lot, driveway or road stays in pristine condition.
A paved driveway or parking lot adds value to your property and creates a great first impression on visitors. A smooth, skid-resistant asphalt surface makes it easier to drive and park on, increasing safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. Asphalt also provides a more attractive, vibrant appearance than dirt or gravel and can be used for decorative purposes.
Asphalt can be damaged by environmental and situational factors, including temperature sensitivity, which causes it to soften and deform, resulting in ruts and bumps. In addition, it is sensitive to petroleum and other chemical products, which can leak into the ground and damage the environment. Asphalt paving requires more maintenance than other types of pavement, but regular sealing and crack filling can help to prolong its lifespan.