A Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Asphalt Paving 101
Asphalt paving is the process of creating a new surface with asphalt, which is a durable and cost-effective material. Contractors start by removing existing surfaces and preparing the area to be paved.
Once the worksite is ready, contractors lay down a base course of sharp-angled aggregate and a layer of hot mix asphalt. This helps ensure proper drainage and binds the gravel to the new asphalt.
Laying the Sub-Base
Once the table has been set and any soft spots identified, it’s time to bring out the main course: the binder. The binder consists of large aggregate mixed with oil, and it’s what makes asphalt so resilient.
Before asphalt paving Seattle can begin, the contractor must lay the sub-base. This layer provides a frost barrier and additional reinforcement for the new pavement, reducing winter damage from freezing and thawing.
It’s also crucial for proper drainage, as water is a major cause of potholes and other asphalt damage. The sub-base must be properly graded and compacted to ensure a long-lasting, durable surface. The asphalt will deteriorate without these steps, leading to costly repairs and replacements. This is why it’s important to work with a quality asphalt contractor.
Grading the Area
Asphalt is a durable material that resists weathering and is an environmentally friendly option. It also has the added benefit of absorbing road and foot noise, providing a quieter surface for traffic.
Water must drain from the surface for your asphalt to be long-lasting and durable. Improper drainage can damage the pavement over time and cause cracking, crumbling, and potholes.
After the geotextile fabric is laid and both lifts of runner-crush stone are graded and compacted, it’s time to install the binder course. The binder layer is the weight-bearing asphalt layer and uses larger aggregate sizes than the top course. It is installed over the prepared subgrade and is compacted with a roller. Often referred to as the wearing course or surface course, this is the final layer of asphalt that provides the jet-black look.
Installing the Binder
Before laying asphalt, a contractor will need to prep the worksite. This involves clearing the area, removing debris and plant life, and leveling the surface. The contractor will also grade the site.
The next step is laying a gravel and sand layer called a road base. The same contractors that deliver the asphalt will typically lay this out. It will be spread evenly and compacted with a plate compactor.
This layer is the foundation for the asphalt, and it is extremely important. The asphalt will be poured over this, so it needs to be strong and stable.
Installing the Proof Roll
The final step in the paving process is called proof rolling. This is done to verify that the sub-base and base are sufficiently compacted. If the proof roller is too heavy for the soil type, it can damage the sub-base and base by causing excessive deflections.
Properly performing this step is important, as it helps ensure that the base layer can support the new asphalt pavement. It also identifies soft areas in the sub-base that must be corrected. These areas can be corrected by installing construction or rock underdrains in cuts. This will help to minimize the water that collects under the pavement, which can cause rutting and deflections. It will also ensure that the planned subgrade stabilization is working as intended.
Installing the Asphalt
Asphalt is commonly used on roads, parking lots, and driveways. It provides a safe and smooth surface for vehicles to drive on. It is also easy to install and maintain. However, many property owners and drivers must be aware of the steps to putting down a new asphalt surface.
The first step is to strip the old paving material, typically using heavy machinery like bobcats or forklifts. This gives you a clean slate to work with and ensures that your pavement is durable for years. Once the sub-base is properly prepared and compacted, it is time to add the binder layer. This comprises small aggregate, sand, and oil to create the jet-black asphalt you drive daily.