What You Need to Know About Asphalt Paving Installation

Before you start paving, you need to know some basic details. The binder that holds the asphalt and sub-base together is called a binder. It is a mixture of oil and an aggregate base. This substance is viscous in liquid form and forms the foundation of the asphalt surface. It is essential to set the binder in place for twenty-four to forty-eight hours before installing the asphalt. This is a must for a solid foundation.

Sub-base

A sub-base for Asphalt Paving Summerville SC installation is an important part of the process. It supports the new pavement and acts as a frost barrier. It is graded, compacted, and tested for stability. A quad-axle dump truck weighing 72,000 pounds will drive over the sub-base to ensure it is firm and stable before placing the asphalt.

Typically, a sub-base is between four and six inches thick. Sometimes, a thicker base is needed for more heavily used roads. The thickness of the sub-base will also depend on how the surface will be used. For instance, an average driveway needs four to six inches of sub-base, while a parking lot for heavy equipment will require a deeper base.

Workability

Workability is a crucial factor to consider when installing asphalt pavement. Depending on the type of asphalt mix used, a road may require different characteristics and specific workability. The mixture should be stiff, resistant to deformation, and have adequate flexural strength to resist cracking when vehicle wheels are used. This quality is critical in ensuring a complete and even compacting of the asphalt.

Asphalt pavement comprises two main layers: the sub-base and the surface. The sub-base supports the new pavement and acts as a barrier against the effects of winter weather. A proper sub-base installation includes different actions to reach the required base thickness and compaction. Once the sub-base is in place, the surface can be laid. The life of the asphalt pavement depends on these two layers.

Using geo-grid instead of undercutting

Using a geo-grid instead of under-cutting is a good choice for projects that require stabilizing the subgrade. Undercutting requires excavating at least two to three feet beneath the floor. However, geo-grid has an advantage over under-cutting: it is cheaper, faster, and more effective. The technique is commonly used in retaining wall and driveway projects. It is a great way to add durability to your hardscape projects and help you stand out from the competition.

Geo-grid is a structural layer that interlocks with soil and granular material. These layers act like snowshoes, spreading the weight and load across a larger surface area. This prevents the fabric from settling and moving around and makes the surface more stable.

Adding asphalt fabric

Adding asphalt fabric to an asphalt paving installation provides additional support and protection to the asphalt layer. It prevents water from penetrating the pavement and helps seal cracks. It’s a simple process that can reduce the damage caused by water and other elements. The fabric is a petroleum-based geotextile fabric designed to resist abrasion and other damaging elements.

In addition to providing a moisture barrier, paving fabrics prevent the soil from working into the base. The fabric is placed beneath the asphalt layers and consistently over a light application of asphalt cement. When appropriately applied, asphalt fabric will improve the overall durability of the paving installation.