Hobbies And Interests
Home  >> Science & Nature >> Science

Ways to Deteriorate Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt pavement is a common roadway construction material. It consists of gravel, stone, sand and asphalt cement. Road workers pour the hot mixture across the prepared roadway ground area, compacting it down with a heavy machine. Asphalt pavement is extremely durable and long-lasting, but the material is prone to deterioration. In fact, many factors contribute to deterioration, both man-made and natural ways.
  1. Water

    • Water is a common deterioration element for asphalt pavement. Water infiltrating the roadway begins affecting the underlying base that supports the pavement. The base layer is effectively washed away by the water over time. As the base disappears, the pavement above begins to crack and sink. For colder regions, water trapped within the pavement can freeze, causing damaging expansion and contraction of the pavement above. In addition, water reacts with the asphalt cement within the pavement. The water oxidizes the cement, weakening its binding abilities, potentially causing a crumbling pavement area.

    Asphalt Composition

    • In the past, asphalt production technology was not as advanced, allowing high-value oils and resins to remain in the asphalt pavement mixture. These oils and resins generated a better quality asphalt composition, lasting longer as roadways than today's current asphalt pavement mixtures. Currently, asphalt pavement mixtures are more refined. The quality oils and resins are extracted for manufacturing other products, such as plastics. The asphalt quality is much poorer with weakened binding cement. As a result, roadways deteriorate faster, generating the need to repair and repave more periodically than in the past.

    Contributing Factors

    • The sun's ultra-violet rays constantly heat the asphalt pavement surface. As a result, the asphalt cement binder begins to dry out. As the binder dries out, the asphalt pavement begins to crumble and deteriorate. In addition, oxygen also encourages deterioration. Oxygen reacts with the asphalt cement binder as well, contributing to drying out the pavement and creating a brittle composition. Gasoline and engine oils permeate asphalt pavement, causing deterioration as well.

    Prevention

    • Unfortunately, asphalt pavement deterioration begins as soon as it cools from installation. However, several steps may be taken for prolonging the roadway's lifespan. Contractors should begin by preparing the base surface properly. The surface should be compacted and leveled as precisely as possible. The hot asphalt mixture should be compacted down as well before fully curing. In addition, drainage should be altered so water flows off and away from the paved surface. After the asphalt pavement cools, the surface should be sealed after 60 to 90 days of curing time.


https://www.htfbw.com © Hobbies And Interests