Asphalt has long been a popular building material. It can be used for a variety of projects, such as roads, pavements, roofing, and waterproofing. This bituminous product has aggregates and binders that help it stay flexible in hot and cool temperatures. Plus, its adhesive properties allow it to stick on concrete, metal, and wood surfaces without cracking or shrinking.
Asphalt is economical compared to other materials like concrete, and requires less maintenance. It is also aesthetically pleasing and can handle heavy traffic loads. Asphalt is even environmentally friendly, as its components are recyclable and reusable. It can even be modified for soundproofing walls.
It is said that asphalt was originally discovered by John McAdam in 1820 in Scotland. He used tar and rocks to create roads, now known as “tarmac.” Since then, asphalt has evolved in different ways around the world, from porous pavements to shingle roofing.
The Versatility of Asphalt
In the table below, you can see some of the typical uses of asphalt in various construction applications. The benefits of using asphalt in these applications are numerous, including durability, low maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness.
| Construction Application | Typical Uses of Asphalt |
| Roadways | Highway paving, airport runways, city streets |
| Parking lots | Commercial buildings, shopping centers, hospitals |
| Roofs | Flat roofs, shingle roofing, built-up roofing |
| Waterproofing | Decks, foundations, walls, bridge decks, tunnels |
Apart from these common uses, asphalt can also be used in agricultural applications as a soil stabilizer, in recreation applications for tennis courts and other sports surfaces, in noise barriers along highways, and in a range of other construction applications.
Did you know that asphalt is 100% recyclable? In fact, according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, asphalt is the most recycled material in America. Surprisingly, over 99% of the asphalt pavement removed during road repairs and maintenance is recycled and reused. This not only saves resources but also reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Properties of Asphalt that Support Versatility
Asphalt has many great properties that make it a versatile material for various applications. Durability, strength, and malleability are its key traits. It can last for up to 20 years, withstand heavy loads, and be easily molded to fit any shape.
Secondary attributes of asphalt also support its versatility. It’s compatible with other materials, easy to maintain, and eco-friendly.
Making use of asphalt in construction has plenty of perks! Adding additives like rubber or chemicals, doing regular inspections, and looking into proper road drainage design can help improve its application.
Advantages of Using Asphalt in Construction
In construction, the benefits of using asphalt cannot be overemphasized. This durable and cost-effective material has proven to be highly versatile for various building projects.
- Enhanced Durability: Asphalt is highly resistant to wear and tear, extreme weather conditions and heavy traffic loads making it ideal for high-traffic areas like highways and parking lots.
- Cost-Effective: Using asphalt in construction is reasonable and inexpensive compared to other materials like concrete, ensuring that project costs are reduced significantly.
- Faster construction: Asphalt takes less time to construct, repair, and maintain. In turn, it saves time and money on any construction project.
- Reduced environmental impact: Asphalt can be recycled and used repeatedly, reducing the environmental impact of disposed material and enhancing sustainability.
Furthermore, asphalt has exceptional noise reduction and skid resistance capabilities and is easy to maintain.
Durability and Longevity
Three reasons why it’s the preferred choice for durability and longevity:
- It can handle extreme weather, like rain and snow, without cracking, due to its flexibility.
- Low maintenance compared to other materials, like concrete. Regular repairs and resurfacing extend its lifespan.
- Its smooth surface reduces friction on tires, improving fuel efficiency.
Denver International Airport’s runway is a great example of asphalt’s durability and longevity – it hasn’t needed major repairs since its installation over 25 years ago.
Ease of Maintenance
Asphalt is renowned for its durability and longevity. It requires less maintenance than other materials used in construction. Plus, the smooth surface makes it easy to clean. It’s perfect for busy roads and highways, where regular cleaning and repairs are needed.
Asphalt is water-resistant thanks to its low porosity. Unlike concrete, it doesn’t crack easily – meaning fewer repairs. And, there’s an abundance of repair materials, making it an economical choice. Plus, minimal repairs won’t spoil the look.
Environmental Benefits
Asphalt has more than just functionality to offer – it’s eco-friendly too! Producing asphalt requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases. Plus, its durability against the elements means fewer maintenance needs and less stormwater runoff pollution. Its dark color helps reduce light reflection, curbing heat island effects in urban areas.
Plus, recycling asphalt helps conserve natural resources and cut down on landfill waste. Asphalt can be collected and reused, reducing the need for freshly mined aggregates. Porous asphalt is another great way to combat harm caused by impermeable pavement, enabling water to filter into the soil below.