fbpx

How Is Asphalt Made? Understanding the Step-By-Step Process

by | Feb 24, 2022 | Asphalt | 0 comments

“How is asphalt made?” is a common question among homeowners who plan to use this material in their DIY home projects as well as construction companies who regularly use asphalt for their business projects. In this blog post, we will learn what asphalt is and how asphalt pavements are made. Discover what the different types of asphalt are and what base preparation is needed. Finally, find out how much asphalt costs by getting a free estimate for asphalt services in Utah.

What Is Asphalt?

Asphalt is a black or gray material that comes from petroleum. Britannica explains that it is made up of compounds of hydrogen and carbon mixed with smaller amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen.

Asphalt concrete, which is a mixture used in construction, is a combination of aggregates, fillers, and binder. Traditional aggregates used in asphalt include gravel, sand, and crushed rock. Some examples of modern, recycled aggregates are demolition debris and construction scraps. Bitumen, a petroleum substance, usually serves as the binder, although bio-based binders are also being developed.

Asphalt is typically used in building, maintaining, and repairing driveways, patios, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, airport runways, and bicycle lanes.

How Is Asphalt Made?

Asphalt is generally made in an asphalt plant, either at a permanent location or a mobile one. An asphalt plant can generate up to 800 tons of asphalt every hour. While the exact procedure may vary depending on the type of asphalt produced, these are the typical steps of the asphalt making process:

  • Step 1: The asphalt manufacturer mixes the aggregates. The components of the mixture will depend on the particular requirements of the construction project.
  • Step 2: The aggregate mixture is washed and dried.
  • Step 3: The asphalt cement or binder is thinned out by heating, emulsifying it in water, or adding a solvent.
  • Step 4: The aggregate mixture and asphalt cement are mixed together using industrial mixing machines like pugmills or drums and heated, although certain modern methods are capable of producing asphalt at lower temperatures.

What Are the Different Types of Asphalt?

There are various kinds of asphalt and several factors are considered when creating this construction material. These factors include the amount of asphalt needed, the level of durability or weight load required for the project, whether or not the asphalt project requires the asphalt to be permeable or impermeable to water.

The asphalt needs to be tough and resistant to prevent deformation caused by external pressure. At the same time, it has to be flexible enough to avoid cracking from outside forces. The asphalt must have suitable properties based on the application.

These are the three main types of asphalt:

1. Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is heated at temperatures that fall between 302°F and 356°F and should have initial compaction at 220°F-290°F. It is created by heating both the asphalt cement and aggregate while being mixed. It is then laid, and compacted before it cools. It is the most popular kind of asphalt since it is strong enough to withstand wear and tear in high-traffic highways and streets.

2. Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is formed at temperatures that are lower by 50°F to 100°F compared to HMA temperatures. The WMA process requires a lower amount of energy so it generates fewer fumes. Since the required temperature is cooler, it allows more time to work the asphalt which allows for longer trucking distances and paving in cooler seasons.

  1. Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA) can be made without heating the aggregate. Bitumen is emulsified in water, which breaks during the mixing or compacting procedure to generate the aggregate coating. CMA becomes more durable as the water evaporates while the mixture is cured. Cure time is longer than warmer mixes and is appropriate for streets that have low-volume traffic or for pothole repair.

What Are the Various Layers of Asphalt?

There are a variety of layers present in asphalt pavement. These layers are paved on a road base layer that is either bound or unbound.

Surface Course

The surface course is the top layer of the pavement. Its purpose is to create a durable, fairly even surface that is easy to plow, holds up the expected loads and is comfortable for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. The surface course ought to have noise reduction and skid resistance properties. It should be long-lasting enough to survive constant traffic and external pressure with limited cracking. Some examples of a surface course are Asphalt Concrete (AC), Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA), and Porous Asphalt (PA).

Binder Course

The binder course is the second top layer, just below the asphalt. It must be sturdy and stable.. It is positioned between the surface course and base course to minimize rutting. Stone-on-stone contact, along with the use of stiff or modified binders, contributes to its stable characteristics.

Base Course

The base course may be the lowest layer besides the subgrade, yet it is a vital component of the asphalt structure. It has the largest aggregate and must be adequate to hold whatever weight load will be applied without sinking.

Get a Free Estimate From Top Job Asphalt

You may be wondering how asphalt is made and which type of asphalt is ideal for your home venture or business construction project. At Top Job Asphalt we are ready to help you choose and use the asphalt that is perfect for your needs. We offer excellent asphalt paving and maintenance services for homeowners, companies and cities in Logan, northern Utah and southern Idaho.

Get a free estimate now to learn how our experienced, skilled team of experts can assist you with your asphalt construction projects.

Sources:

https://www.topjobasphalt.com/

https://www.britannica.com/science/asphalt-material

https://eapa.org/what-is-asphalt/

https://www.perrinconstructionredding.com/blog/2018/9/26/how-is-asphalt-made-a-look-inside-the-manufacturing-process

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related Posts

9 Essential Tips to Extend the Life of Your Asphalt Pavement

9 Essential Tips to Extend the Life of Your Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt pavement is a crucial investment for property owners and managers in Logan, UT. A well-maintained surface ensures smooth and safe passage for both vehicles and pedestrians. However, constant wear and tear, combined with exposure to the elements, can cause the...

The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Asphalt Pavement

The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt pavement is a popular choice for roads, driveways, and parking lots due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, like any material, it requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. In this blog post, we will discuss...

Debunking the Most Common Myths About Asphalt Pavement

Debunking the Most Common Myths About Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt pavement is a widely used material for constructing roads, parking lots, and other surfaces due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. However, despite its widespread use, there are still many misconceptions about asphalt. In this blog...

Asphalt Paving FAQs – Answering Your Questions

Asphalt Paving FAQs – Answering Your Questions

Are you considering an asphalt paving project for your home or business? Asphalt can provide a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing surface to enhance the look and feel of an outdoor space. If you have questions about asphalt paving, then you’ve come to the right...

Asphalt Overlays – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 

Asphalt Overlays – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 

If your asphalt pavement is beginning to show signs of wear and tear, you may be considering an asphalt overlay. An asphalt overlay can be a great way to extend the life of your pavement without having to completely replace it. But before you make this potentially...

The Advantages of Asphalt Pavement

The Advantages of Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt pavement is one of the most common paving materials used in the United States. It has a variety of advantages that make it a popular choice for both homeowners and businesses. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key advantages of asphalt pavement,...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Mike Phillips
Mike Phillips
January 17, 2023.
Great company to work with. We contacted Top Job to repair a county road that we dug across for an irrigation line. They were very professional yet friendly. Our job was completed quickly. We recommend this company.
Sam Rowley
Sam Rowley
December 8, 2022.
I’m not sure how the service actually is, but some old guy in a Top Job Toyota was riding my butt today and flipped me off, or it was maybe an aggressive wave at the red light near the Logan library. Hope his day gets better. 12/8 at 230
Kim Rappleye
Kim Rappleye
December 7, 2022.
Very professional and personalized service. Highly recommended!
Mark Malmstrom
Mark Malmstrom
November 22, 2022.
They were easy to get a hold of and showed up when they were scheduled. Good communication and good work.
David Bunnell
David Bunnell
November 4, 2022.
I appreciated the pleasant attitude when talking w/the estimator as well as the scheduler. The work crew did a great job! I highly recommend Top Job Asphalt!
Steven Jacobsen
Steven Jacobsen
October 30, 2022.
Top job Asphalt did an amazing job on my project very professional, I would definitely use them again when I have the need.
Chris Salvesen
Chris Salvesen
October 28, 2022.
Did a great job on the 3" overlay for my very old and deteriorated half circle driveway. Looks brand new. All the transitions to concrete are near perfectly matched when I wasn't sure they could do it. It's almost weird now not feeling the bump driving out of the garage or over our bridge.
Matt Welch
Matt Welch
October 27, 2022.
Top Job paved our asphalt driveways and we couldn't be happier. The service, quality and price were the best I could find and I looked everywhere! Great job guys! I'll be calling back when I start my next project.
Todd Wardrop
Todd Wardrop
October 26, 2022.
I'm so impressed!!😀 Top Job has done such excellent work on my neighbor's driveway ... I'm so jealous. It's absolutely beautiful, and I can't believe how smooth it turned out. It's just perfect. What a great company!

What Our Customers Are Saying

Very impressed with the quality of their work and the organization of the company. The project estimator was spot on as to when the bid would be received and the work was professional  from start to finish. I appreciated the opportunity for a walkthrough inspection after the crack filling was completed as I had some very large cracks in the asphalt. I give this company a ten out of ten (which I really do) and highly recommend them.

Paul Pratt