Asphalt is made of approximately 5% oil/binder and 95% crushed aggregate, of which 10-20% is often recycled (RAP – reclaimed asphalt pavement). Materials engineers design mixes with varying combinations of aggregate sizes/gradations and oil content to achieve various performance [...]
Asphalt paving is equipment intensive and asphalt cools/cures quickly. Many projects can be completed in one day and ready for traffic that evening. Larger projects may take multiple days. Many customers are surprised at the speed and efficiency of [...]
New asphalt can be driven on once the “cessation temperature” (point at which the binder has cooled and stiffened to the point that it can no longer be compacted) of around 150 degrees Fahrenheit or below has been reached. [...]
An overlay is a new section of hot mix asphalt, usually 1.5”-2”, placed over the existing pavement surface, often utilizing an interlayer made of specialized fabric and/or fiberglass. This type of rehabilitation is commonly seen on city streets [...]
Properly placed and compacted asphalt appears somewhat porous to many people. This appearance is normal and will smooth with the kneading action of rubber tire traffic. It is also normal for the new asphalt to attract dirt immediately after [...]
Yes, but they tend to be minor and inconsequential to most projects. Experienced asphalt crews will often notice small differences in the workability of asphalt mixes, subtle variations in oil content, and concentration of large and fine aggregates (called [...]
On many large projects that involve oversight by engineers and/or government agencies, specifications can literally fill a thick book. Check out this link to CalTrans specifications. Most smaller private works projects involve no measure of quality by the [...]
As previously discussed, proper compaction is the most crucial element of ensuring quality asphalt installation. The various stages of compaction – breakdown rolling at high temps (high 200’s), intermediate rolling at medium temps (low to mid 200’s), and finish [...]