What Is Asphalt Made of and Why Does the Quality of Materials Matter So Much?

Creating asphalt concrete is not a simple task. A lot of consideration has to go into deciding which materials to use as well as the type of technique. Read on to understand why quality matters when it comes to asphalt.

What Is Asphalt?

The primary use of asphalt is for road construction. It is a mix of aggregates, binder, and filler. Aggregates are sand, gravel, or other recycled materials which are adhered together with a binder. The binder is known as bitumen, a sticky black tar substance. This composition is laid in layers and compacted to create the streets we see daily. Different techniques allow for pavers to work year round. The three ways to mix asphalt are hot, warm, and cold. The varying temperatures produce different viscosity’s and abilities to work with the asphalt as it begins to dry. These techniques are also applied according to the needs of the project. Some roads see less traffic while others are racetracks and serve an entirely different purpose. The amount of street it intends to endure will have a say in the choice of technique. Aggregates are processed mineral materials such as crushed rock, sand, gravel, slags, or various recycled materials. Binder is used to unite the aggregates together to form a cohesive mixture. Bitumen is most often used as the binder. Asphalt pavement consists of multiple layers which includes unbound and bituminous-bound materials acting as the base for the asphalt concrete poured on top.

Importance of Materials

Not all asphalt is created equally. All aggregated elements need to be durable while varying in size to create an optimal surface. If pavers use quality materials, the road will be stable enough to resist rutting and eventual disintegration under large loads. Other properties that quality asphalt will display are flexibility, impermeability, and durability. Choosing the right aggregate will ensure these features are present. Stability arises from angular particles being unable to move past each other when confronted with the force of traffic. Durability, on the other hand, is improved by using thick binder content. Anything too thin will age and harden rapidly. The quality of your paving solution matters. Great asphalt contractors are always keeping up with the latest advances in technology and maintain high quality control measures. This improves safety, efficiency, and value.

The industrial and commercial asphalt world is always changing. Please like this article, share this article, or visit us at https://arnoldasphalt.com.