Asphalt Concrete Basis is a combination of aggregate, sand, and asphalt cement that is used as a base beneath additional asphalt pavement courses, most typically in a highway application. If the asphalt base is not put by hand, the equipment needed is an asphalt paving machine or road widener, as well as 2-3 tandem rollers. The asphalt base should be smooth with no large rocks or dirt that could damage the underside of your vehicle.
The first step in preparing the site for paving is to remove all vegetation within 10 feet of the proposed job site and any structures other than those necessary to support the weight of the truck. Then, if you'd like, you can spread a thin layer of sand or stone over which to place the base material. This helps the asphalt flow evenly during placement into the desired pattern.
Next, use the road grader or string line to scribe the edge of the work area where the asphalt will be placed. Start at one end of the scribed line and move it across the ground in a straight line until you reach the opposite end. Make sure that you leave at least 3 inches of space between each line of scotch tape to allow room for even spreading of the asphalt later on.
After the base material has been laid down, using the same type of equipment you employed earlier, spread another thin layer of sand or stone over the top. This helps the asphalt layering process go more smoothly.
Asphalt is a malleable paving material. The strength is derived from a limestone aggregate foundation with a 2-3" asphalt covering. Asphalt does not require expansion joints due to its flexibility and ability to expand and shrink. However, older asphalt pavements may need to have their joints repaired or replaced.
Replacing old pavement with new asphalt is one way to protect yourself and your family from the risks of road injury. If you are considering replacing your current driveway or parking lot, call us at (908) 668-7080 for a free estimate!
The best time to repair or replace your asphalt driveway or parking lot is before significant damage occurs. Asphalt cracks can spread quickly if not maintained, so contact a driveway repair company as soon as you notice any problems with your driveway.
A driveway repair contractor will be able to assess the condition of your driveway and give you recommendations on what should be done to ensure its long term durability. They will be able to tell you if your current asphalt mixture is suitable for repairing your driveway or if you will need to use a different type of asphalt. As well, they will be able to advise you on the best method of repair for your budget.
The most effective way to prevent damage to your driveway or parking lot is by maintaining it regularly.
Asphalt cement and aggregate are the two basic materials that go into making asphalt pavement. Asphalt cement is a petroleum-based liquid with a high viscosity. It serves as the glue that holds the aggregate (small rocks) together, resulting in a durable and flexible material.
The most common type of asphalt used for road construction is hot-mixed asphalt, which means it is mixed at temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and usually contains sand or stone as an additive to provide extra grip in cold weather. Hot-mixed asphalts are available in black, red, yellow, and white colors. Gray or concrete-like pavement is made from bituminous mixtures that require no coloring agents.
Asphalt pavement lasts longer if you avoid driving over it in heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses. Heavy traffic loads can cause premature deterioration of the surface by cracking and breaking down the asphalt layer. Weight limits should be observed when parking large vehicles such as tractor-trailers on asphalt roads. The vehicle should not be driven more than 15 miles per hour in areas where there has been no weight restriction posted.
Asphalt pavement also needs to be maintained regularly. Large cracks in the road surface may allow water to penetrate the pavement and damage its underlying layers. These problems can be avoided by keeping truck wheels within the designated width of the road and periodically repairing damaged sections of roadway.
Concrete may be laid over asphalt and is an excellent alternative for a driveway basis for residential properties. Asphalt may only be used as a driveway basis if it is at least 2" or 4" thick. Before pouring concrete on asphalt, the asphalt must first be soaked in water. This will make the asphalt more flexible and able to handle the weight of the concrete.
As with any other form of pavement, there is the option of adding color or texture using aggregate of a different shade or style of finish. For example, white concrete would not be mixed with black asphalt to create gray pavement; rather, it would be mixed with red or yellow sand to create a road colored red or yellow.
As long as the concrete is not poured over an area that has been stamped with a hot metal tool, it can be poured anywhere on top of asphalt. However, if the areas are going to be subject to heavy traffic or weather conditions, such as along a road or walkway, then it is best to put down a layer of compacted gravel first to provide support and keep the asphalt from deteriorating prematurely.
Concrete can also be added to existing asphalt pathways or patio surfaces. This is called "patching" and can be done by either cutting out sections of the old asphalt and filling them with new concrete, or by covering the entire surface with one continuous layer of concrete.
To construct pavements, properly chosen and graded aggregates are combined with the cementing medium asphalt. The primary load-bearing components of an asphalt-concrete pavement are aggregates. They account for 90 to 95 percent of the overall weight and 75 to 85 percent of the total volume of the combination. Asphalt is the binding agent that holds the other materials together.
Concrete that is used as a road surface should consist of coarse aggregate (gravel) mixed with sand or fine aggregate, cements, water, and an additive to improve its workability or make it more flexible.
Asphalt is made up of very small particles called macadamianls which are bound together by a sticky substance called bitumen. The bitumen comes from the ground, is processed into a thin film, and then heated until it melts.
The choice of the right mix of ingredients is important because it affects the performance of the pavement, such as its durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat and moisture. Pavement conditions can also affect these properties. For example, if the mix is too soft, it will break down under traffic pressure, causing dust clouds and deteriorating vehicle traction. If the mix is too hard, it may not produce adequate joint strength when applied to a crowned roadway surface.
Asphalt mixes typically contain four main categories of material: coarse, fine, air, and additive.
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