Asphalt is one of the most commonly used road and driveway construction materials. There are a few interesting facts about asphalt that many people don’t know.
Atkins Paving will share some interesting facts about asphalt paving that you may not know.
History of Asphalt Pavement:
Asphalt is one of the oldest types of pavement material, with records indicating its use dating back to the Roman Empire. The word “asphalt” is derived from the Latin word “aspaltum,” which means “to pave.”
Asphalt was originally used as a waterproofing material and was later adapted for use as a paving material. Asphalt for paving was first recorded in Babylon around 620 BC. By the early 1900s, asphalt had become the preferred choice for road construction in the United States.
The first asphalt pavement in the United States was laid in 1823 on the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, now part of U.S. Route 30 between Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Asphalt Paving Today:
Asphalt is still widely used today as a paving material, thanks to its many benefits. It is durable, weather-resistant, and relatively inexpensive compared to other types of pavement. It can also be recycled and reused, making it an environmentally friendly choice for paving projects.
Interesting Facts about Asphalt Pavement:
Second most Recycled Material:
Did you know that asphalt pavement is the second most recycled material globally? Asphalt is recycled and reused several times, making it eco-friendly for paving projects.
Smooth Asphalt Pavement reduces Fuel Consumption:
It is estimated that for each 0.01 m (0.3937 inches) increase in tire-pavement contact, fuel consumption decreases by 0.0002 gallons per vehicle mile traveled.
Asphalt pavement is 100% recyclable and can be reused or recycled into new asphalt pavement, shingles, or even roofing materials. In 2017, the United States alone recycled more than 80 million tons of asphalt pavement.
Asphalt is an excellent Material for Noise Reduction:
Asphalt is an ideal material for reducing noise pollution. It can reduce noise by up to five decibels, which is significant. It absorbs sound waves and vibrations, making it ideal for busy roads and highways and used in hospitals, schools, and near residential areas.
Asphalt Paving is Sustainable:
Asphalt is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly materials available for paving roads and driveways. It is made from natural materials (crushed stone, sand, and gravel) mixed with a binding agent (asphalt cement) to create a durable, smooth surface.
Asphalt Paving is Cost-Effective and Energy-efficient:
Asphalt paving is a highly cost-effective and energy-efficient option for residential and commercial projects. It is less expensive than concrete or brick paving, and it can last for many years with proper maintenance. Asphalt pavement also requires less time to install than other types of pavement. The materials used to make asphalt pavement are all-natural and renewable.
Conclusion:
Asphalt paving is a fascinating and complex process that most people know little about. We at Atkins Paving shared some interesting and lesser-known facts about asphalt paving in this blog post, and we hope you’ve enjoyed reading it.
If you have any questions about the asphalt paving process or would like a free quotation for your project in Charleston, SC, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
