Technical Insights into Successful Asphalt Construction:

Materials, Processes, and Quality Control

What is Asphalt Concrete?

Asphalt concrete has been used in road construction for centuries. It is also known as black cement, a mixture of aggregates, binders, and fillers used to build and maintain roads.

Asphalt mixture incorporates various aggregates, such as crushed rock, sand, gravel, or slags. These materials result from alterations, construction, destruction, rehabilitation, or repair of manmade structures. Asphalt contractors possess the capability to repair houses, buildings, industrial or commercial facilities, and roadways.

The binder used in asphalt concrete plays an important role in creating a cohesive mixture by binding the aggregates together. Bitumen, a liquid binder derived from petroleum, is widely utilized in this process. It is obtained through the distillation of crude oil, which removes lighter components like gasoline and diesel, leaving behind the "heavier" bitumen. 

Bitumen is renowned for its remarkable waterproofing and adhesive properties. Recently, there has been a notable focus among researchers and industry professionals on developing bio-based binders as an environmentally friendly alternative, aiming to minimize the environmental impact associated with road construction.

Asphalt Paving Mixture

Asphalt paving involves a mixture of two main ingredients:

• 
  Aggregates: These makeup around 95% of the mixture's total weight. Aggregates can include materials like crushed rock, sand, or gravel.
• Asphalt binder: This makes up 5% of the mixture and acts as a binding agent. It is a sticky substance derived from petroleum.

The aggregates and asphalt binder are heated to the right temperature to create asphalt pavement. Then, it is combined in a processing plant that can produce the required materials. The resulting mixture is then transported to the paving site using trucks. At the site, it is spread evenly to achieve a uniform thickness using a paving or finishing machine.

Next, heavy and self-propelled rollers compact the material to the desired level. Thus, creating a smooth pavement surface. Maintaining an appropriate mix temperature during compaction is important to ensure adequate density. 

Extensive care should be taken to prevent the mix temperature from falling below the optimal compaction temperature while compacting the material. This helps achieve the desired results for durable and well-constructed pavement.

A Short Overview of the Asphalt Laying Temperatures

There are different types of asphalt mixtures based on their laying temperatures:

• 
  Hot mix asphalt (HMA): This is the traditional method with a high laying temperature above 150˚C. It has been widely used for paving.
• Warm mix asphalt (WMA): WMA has a lower temperature range, between 110˚C and 140˚C, compared to HMA. It has become increasingly popular and offers lower energy consumption, better performance, reduced emissions, and lower fuel usage. It also contributes to a healthier work environment for construction crews. WMA allows for earlier reopening of the paved area due to quicker cooling, enabling easier transportation access.
• Half-warm mix asphalt (HWMA): HWMA has an even lower temperature than WMA, below 100˚C. It consumes 50% less energy than HMA and offers advantages similar to WMA.
• Cold mix asphalt (CMA): CMA has the lowest laying temperature, below 60˚C. While it is the most environmentally friendly option, it is not commonly used for paving due to its performance limitations.

Over time, the preference has shifted from HMA to WMA, showing comparable performance with a 30% lower production temperature. WMA offers several advantages, including reduced energy consumption, improved performance, decreased emissions, and lower fuel usage. These benefits contribute to a safer and more efficient construction process.

What is the Cost of Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt contractors charge an average of $4 to $7 per square meter (CAD). This cost generally includes labor and materials like asphalt pavers. These equipment are used for laying, pressing, smoothing, and sealing the asphalt. However, these are just average costs and apply to simple paving jobs.

Keep in mind that additional factors may increase the overall cost. For example, if old pavement needs to be removed or special grading is required, these extra tasks will be factored in, raising the price beyond the average cost per square meter. Paving alone is a labour-intensive job where workers must shovel and rake the hot asphalt before rolling it into place. If additional preparation or demolition is involved, the price can become higher.

The specific type of work you need will also affect the paving costs. Some people may require driveway sealing, while small businesses may want their parking lots paved. Each job is unique and comes with its cost considerations.

To get an accurate estimate, contacting a reputable service and requesting a quote for your specific project is best. They can assess the requirements and provide a customized cost estimate.

What is the Average Cost of Asphalt Driveways?

On average, constructing asphalt driveways to cover an area of about 600 square feet will cost you between $4,200 and $7,800. The cost depends on asphalt material, driveway thickness, and site conditions.

Hot mix asphalt is the most commonly used type, with a cost ranging from $100 to $200 per ton. It's worth noting that approximately one ton of asphalt can cover an area of 40 to 80 square feet. 

On the other hand, porous asphalt typically charges $8 to $15 per square foot. If you opt for recycled asphalt, the cost ranges from $10 to $20 per ton. 

Cold mix asphalt is estimated to be priced between $10 and $50 per bag. For stamped asphalt, the average price ranges from $12 to $17 per square foot, while coloured asphalt has a similar average charge of $12 to $17 per square foot.

The cost of constructing an asphalt driveway includes several components. These elements collectively determine the overall expense of your asphalt driveway construction project.

• 
  Material cost
• Excavation and grading cost
• Labour cost
• Sealing and maintenance cost

The Process of Asphalt Construction

Here is the step-by-step guide on installing asphalt pavement, starting with demolition and ending with a smooth new surface.

Step 1: Removing the Existing Surface

The first step is to remove the old surface, whether asphalt, concrete, or asphalt pavers. This is done using heavy machinery like bobcats and dump trucks. Using these machines ensures the thorough removal of the old surface, preparing the site for the subsequent stages of the installation process.

Step 2: Grading and Sloping

The surface is prepared for proper water drainage using laser-guided transits and motor graders. These tools help the contractors accurately shape and level the surface, creating the desired slope that allows water to flow away from the pavement. 

The surface is properly prepared to prevent water-related damage by using precise measurements and grading techniques. 

Step 3: Preparing the Sub Base

This step is all about getting the sub-base ready. The sub-base is like the strong foundation for the new asphalt surface. This is important because it gives stability and strength to the pavement, ensuring it lasts a long time. It also protects against damage from freezing and thawing during winter. The sub-base should be solid and well-compacted to support the new asphalt surface well. 

Step 4: Checking and Repairing the Sub Base

This stage will carefully inspect and fix any problems with the sub-base, which is the foundation for the new surface. A proof roll is done to check the strength of the sub-base. If soft areas are found, they can be repaired using methods of undercutting or using alternative methods. 

Undercutting means digging below the surface and replacing weak soil or clay with stronger materials. Another option is to use a geo-grid grid, which adds extra support below the surface. 

Step 5: Applying the Binder and Surface Course

A strong binder layer of large aggregate mixed with oil is added to strengthen the asphalt surface. This layer consists of a mixture of large rocks and oil that strengthens the asphalt. It acts as the base for the final layer of the asphalt. Applying this binder layer lets the asphalt handle heavy traffic and stay protected from damage. It's necessary to create a smooth and sturdy surface for pavement like asphalt driveways.

Step 6: Installing the New Asphalt Surface

The upper layer of fresh asphalt is applied for a smooth and attractive finish. This fresh asphalt is made by mixing small rocks, sand, and oil. This final layer makes the pavement look better and gives a smooth ride for vehicles and pedestrians to enjoy. 

Step 7: Creating Smooth Transitions

Special attention is given to areas where the new asphalt meets existing surfaces to ensure a smooth transition between the new asphalt and the existing surfaces. By blending the edges and surfaces, there will be no sudden changes or unevenness. 

Step 8: Smoothing and Compacting

The last step is to make the surface smooth and strong. The entire surface is rolled with a truck to smooth and compact the asphalt pavement, creating a durable and smooth finish. The truck's weight and movement help spread the asphalt evenly and eliminate any bumps or uneven areas. This process also makes the asphalt particles stick together, strengthening and stabilizing the pavement. The result is a flat, sturdy surface that looks good and can handle regular use without problems.

By following these steps, your asphalt surface will provide durability and functionality for years.

Hire the Best Asphalt Contractors in Vancouver

Installing asphalt pavement involves carefully planned steps to create a strong, durable, attractive surface. Each step is essential for achieving high-quality pavement. By following these steps carefully, professionals can create long-lasting and functional surfaces that improve the safety and appearance of roads, driveways, and parking lots.

If you're searching for reliable concrete and paving services in Maple Ridge, look no further than Maple Ridge Concrete and Paving. Our asphalt contractors provide excellent solutions for residential and commercial projects. Whether you need a new driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot, we have the expertise to deliver outstanding results. With meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to quality, we ensure that every project is completed to your satisfaction. 

Contact Maple Ridge Concrete and Paving today for a free consultation, and let us bring your concrete and paving ideas to life.