Why Asphalt Is Used
Asphalt is a common road surface material. It has several benefits, including its ability to provide comfort, safety, and efficiency to motorists. There are also numerous advantages for the environment. Asphalt is recycled, and thus can be reused for other projects.
Unlike concrete, which requires an extended curing time, Asphalt can be used immediately after installation. Also, asphalt is a safer alternative to concrete, as it provides plenty of grip for cars. When installed correctly, asphalt can last for decades.
Road surfaces made of asphalt can be customized to fit the needs of each individual highway or roadway. These types of roads are designed to be flexible and adapt to changes in climate and terrain. The use of porous materials helps to reduce the risk of aquaplaning, while also providing clear contrasts between road markings. This makes for a smoother drive, which can also lower fuel costs.
Why Asphalt Is Used For Roads
Asphalt can be used for a wide range of projects, from parking lots and bike paths to bridges and roofing materials. It is also used as a lining for landfill sites to prevent harmful waste materials from escaping.
The asphalt paving industry is the largest consumer of recycled materials in the United States. Currently, over 100 million tons of asphalt are recycled every year. During the manufacturing process, various ingredients are added to the mixture. Some of the more common additives include polymers, lubricants, and heat stabilizers. Depending on the climate and area, the type of asphalt used may vary.
Asphalt is also much cheaper to install than concrete. As an example, it costs around $48,000 to install 300 tons of asphalt in 2002, compared to $986,000 in 2006. And although the cost of constructing a 1-mile highway may seem high, it will only rise over the next 10 years by about $135,000 per mile.
Various testing methods have been developed to help determine the composition of an asphalt mix. These methods can be performed on-site, or from a paving machine. They can also be utilized for field spot checks.
In addition to improving vehicle performance, asphalt pavement can be made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of carbon dioxide released from a mile of asphalt can be reduced by 20 percent, and it can save up to seven decibels of noise. Moreover, asphalt can be made to be more resistant to cracking, increasing durability.
Because it can be easily opened and reopened, an asphalt road can be rebuilt in an efficient manner. For this reason, it is ideal for projects that need to be completed in a short period of time. Furthermore, it can be built one lane at a time, reducing disruptions to drivers and citizens.
Asphalt also has the ability to reduce greenhouse gases, which can help to lower the cost of gasoline. Compared to concrete, it can be more costly to maintain. However, it is easier to patch and seal, making it a better choice.
Several studies have been conducted on the benefits of asphalt. One study found that, on average, drivers are less likely to become involved in an accident when driving on an asphalt road. Another study showed that it can decrease vehicle operating expenses by 10 percent.