🕑 Reading time: 1 minute
Asphalt is the most versatile pavement material used in the construction industry. Asphalt pavement is made of aggregates, sand, additives, and asphalt and is laid for the construction of driveways, parking lots, roadways, etc.
Based on the variations in asphalt used in pavement design, there are several types of asphalt pavements. The five most common types of asphalt pavements used in construction are:
- Hot mix asphalt pavement
- Warm mix asphalt pavement
- Cold mix asphalt pavement
- Porous asphalt pavement
- Dense-graded asphalt pavement
1. Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement
Hot mix asphalt pavement uses heated asphalt poured at around 150oC. Hot asphalt pavements are popular for their flexibility, weather resistance, impermeability, and resilience. This type of pavement is used in areas where the temperature is above 4oC so that the asphalt mix does not cool quickly.
2. Warm Mix Asphalt Pavement
Warm mix asphalt pavement is produced the same way as hot mix asphalt, except that it is poured at a lower temperature than hot mix asphalt.
Binders and additives are added to warm the asphalt mix to perform easy pouring and spreading at a lower temperature. In addition, warm mix asphalt, compared to hot mix asphalt, consumes less energy to manufacture and releases fewer fumes. Hence, it is a popular choice in areas with poor air circulation.
Warm mix asphalt is resilient and flexible like hot mix asphalt. It is commonly used for road pavements, driveways, and other commercial and residential pavement construction.
3. Cold Mix Asphalt Pavement
Cold mix asphalt pavements are made using cold mix asphalt, which is used without heating. Cold mix asphalt takes time to cure and harden and as a result, these pavements are soft and have a shorter life span.
Cold mix asphalt pavements are used in extreme freezing temperatures, where hot mix asphalt cannot be applied. It is used as a temporary solution to repair asphalt cracks and potholes until treated by a permanent repair.
4. Porous Asphalt Pavement
Porous asphalt pavement is designed to have tiny holes larger enough to let water pass through them. Therefore, these pavements are constructed in areas prone to flooding, water pooling, etc.
This design lets water drain through the asphalt pavement and reach the soil bed. In addition, porous asphalt pavements are hard-wearing and durable.
5. Dense-Graded Asphalt Pavement
Dense-graded asphalt pavement is a hot mix asphalt that uses densely packed fine-graded or coarse-graded aggregate. It is designed, mixed, and poured to obtain a dense and impermeable pavement layer.
Dense-graded asphalt pavement shows exceptional performance under all traffic conditions.
FAQs
Hot mix asphalt pavement uses heated asphalt poured at around 150oC. Hot asphalt pavements are popular for their flexibility, weather resistance, impermeability, and resilience. This type of pavement is used in areas where the temperature is above 4oC so that the asphalt mix does not cool quickly.
Cold mix asphalt takes time to cure and harden and as a result, these pavements are soft and have a shorter life span.
Read More
Alligator Cracking in Asphalt Pavement: Causes and Control
Fly Ash for Concrete Pavement Construction
Reflective Pavements: A Unique Pavement Strategy to Fight Climate Change