Asphalt is a popular paving material. It is durable and can withstand heavy traffic. However, not all asphalt is created equal. Different needs call for different materials.
Your asphalt paving companies near me can help you choose the best type of asphalt. Some common types of asphalt include 41A and 41B type.
Hot Asphalt
Asphalt is a versatile pavement material that can be used for all types of projects. It can be found in driveways, parking lots, and interstate highways. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most durable type, making it ideal for high-traffic roads. However, HMA requires high temperatures to bind aggregates and bitumen together.
Warm mix asphalt (WMA) uses lower temperatures to produce and lay asphalt mixtures. WMA technologies start about 30 degrees 70degF cooler than traditional HMA during mixing, trucking, placement, and compaction.
While the main ingredients for all types of asphalt are the same, not all are created equal. The differences lie in the specialized aggregates and additives that can affect the properties of the finished product. These materials can also influence the durability and longevity of your paving project. For example, if the aggregate is too rough and sharp, it can cause premature wear and tear. Fortunately, paving pros can help you choose the right type of asphalt.
MC Cold Mix
Asphalt paving mixes are divided into three categories depending on their production temperature, namely hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA), and cold mix asphalt (CMA). As the name implies, CMA is mixed at lower temperatures. This saves energy consumption and makes it environmentally friendly.
It is also more cost-effective than WMA as it does not require the heating of aggregates and specialized equipment for laying. It is a versatile option that can be used for minor construction and repair work.
The smoothness of asphalt increases vehicles’ skid resistance, keeping drivers and their passengers safe. This paved material is also durable and is designed to endure heavy loads for long periods. It is a popular choice for parking lots and can be easily repaired if damaged. This type of pavement also improves water maintenance. This is accomplished through small holes in the surface, allowing water to flow back to the ground.
UPM
UPM is a cold asphalt mix designed for permanent pavement patching and repairs. It doesn’t require a primer and can be applied in wet conditions. It is a great choice for repairing your property’s potholes, cracks, and other surface imperfections.
The mixture contains aggregates (a mix of crushed stone, gravel, and sand) and bitumen sourced from natural deposits or as a byproduct of petroleum distillation. The mixture is then processed through heating and cooling procedures that separate the evaporative and lighter-weight components.
The result is a mixture that has excellent cold workability and stability. It can be compacted by hand tamper, vibratory plate, or rollers and is ready for traffic. It is also a cost-effective solution compared to hot asphalt and can be used in wet holes or potholes. One 50 lb bag of UPM will fill approximately 0.48 sq. ft. of pothole or repair area. It is recommended to sweep the hole or crack and remove any loose debris before applying UPM.
Perpetual Pavement
Asphalt Perpetual Pavement (also known as long-life asphalt) is a road construction technique that can significantly reduce the need for maintenance and reconstruction over its lifespan. Perpetual pavement is designed to allow confined to the surface layer of the road to be addressed without requiring major structural rehabilitation.
This design is based on the premise that if the horizontal tensile strain at the base and vertical compressive strain in the subgrade is kept below specific thresholds, bottom-up fatigue cracking and rutting will only occur for a while. It is designed to be constructed with a strong, durable base layer, a low-temperature cracking-resistant granular layer, and a rut-resistant asphalt-wearing course.
It is a remarkably effective method of paving, and it has been proven to save road owners significant time, money, and energy. Unlike other types of roads, it requires little maintenance – and when routine maintenance is needed, the surface can be milled for recycling and replaced with a new, smooth overlay.