How Does The Choice Of Asphalt Mix Affect Repair Durability?

Types of Asphalt and Their Impact on Repairs

Different asphalt mixes are made up of different materials and additives that impact various attributes like their durability, the installation process, and the overall cost. Some asphalts require high heats in order to stay malleable and workable, while others have additives in order to remain workable for longer. The aggregates in different asphalt mixes impact the way the mix handles environments, temperature fluctuations, and heavy wear and tear. Some asphalt mixes like cold mix asphalt are especially useful for pavement repairs because it can be used in a wide variety of situations. Selecting the right asphalt for installations and repairs is determined by the necessary longevity, cost, and environmental factors.

Different Types of Asphalt Aggregate

Stone Aggregate

Stone plays a critical role in creating asphalt pavement mixtures. Stones act as a durable material that helps strengthen each layer of asphalt. Asphalt pavements often undergo extreme wear and tear on roads, highways, and in other areas. With stone being used as an aggregate the asphalt will hold up longer and won’t break down as quickly.

Sand Aggregate

As one of the most common aggregate materials in asphalt, sand plays a key role in creating asphalt pavement. Sand acts as a filler to ensure that the mixture doesn’t have small gaps between the larger aggregate. Filling every gap filled reduces the chance that moisture buildup will occur and can reduce the chance of erosion.

Gravel Aggregate

Gravel, similar to stone, is a more sturdy aggregate. Differing sizes of aggregate help create a more cohesive mixture. Gravel is strong like stone, but smaller in size to allow it to fill in medium size gaps in the mixture. Having medium size materials in an asphalt aggregate mixture creates a stronger and more durable final product that can withstand more wear and tear and increases the longevity of the pavement.

Different Asphalt Mixes

Hot Mix Asphalt

As the most common type of asphalt mixture, Hot Mix Asphalt is used regularly on pavement surfaces and roads. The aggregates used in hot mix asphalt are a combination of both coarse and fine materials mixed into a bitumen binder. When hot mix asphalt is heated to pour the temperature will range between 300 degrees and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot mix asphalt is often chosen for asphalt pavements and roads due to the different benefits associated with it. With a hot mix you’re getting a cost-effective, durable asphalt pavement that has wide versatility and use-cases. The longevity of hot mix asphalt is perfect for popuring commercial grade pavement as it will withstand heavier use and require less repairs. Hot mix asphalt also works well on highways and other high trafficked pavement roads since they are more suitable to handle exposure to the constant changing temperature of those environments. Pouring hot mix asphalt can be a dangerous project and requires trained professionals and specialized equipment to handle the hot mix.

MC Cold Mix Asphalt

With Cold Mix Asphalt the mixture is composed of gravel, sand, or crushed stones, which is then mixed with a bitumen mixture and water. This mixture makes the asphalt much easier to pour at lower temperatures and can even be used to repair pavement during the coldest months out of the year. Once poured it will need time to cure before forming a durable pavement. While a cold mixture is not as durable as hot mix, it does have its unique benefits. Cold mix asphalt can be poured in a very wide temperature range making paving easy during extreme temperatures. CMA is a viable mixture option for small repairs that is cost-effective and doesn’t require specialized equipment. Cold asphalt mix has a shorter lifespan when compared to warm and hot mix. CMA is mostly used for small repairs to help maintain the pavement and stop additional erosion from occurring.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm Mix Asphalt is made in a similar process to hot mix, however the warm mix has additives that reduce the required temperature for paving. Warm mix asphalt is heated somewhere between 30 degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit and takes significantly longer to cool compared to hot mixtures. Some prefer warm mix asphalt simply because it requires less fuel and therefore has less of an impact environmentally. When paving with warm mix asphalt the mixture remains workable for a longer period of time when compared to a hot mix. Because warm mixture is easier to work with and doesn’t require extreme temperatures it can be transported further and there is a wider timeframe in which compaction can be executed. The window of opportunity for paving roads is larger with warm mix asphalt because it can be poured in a wider range of temperatures when compared to a hot mix.

Dense-Graded Asphalt Mixture

Dense-graded asphalt mix can be separated into two categories based on the main aggregate that is used in each mixture. Course-grade and fine-grade mixtures are used for a variety of purposes and can be utilized for both heavy and light traffic conditions. Dense-graded asphalt has impermeable qualities, and can withstand wear and tear to prevent potholes and cracks from occurring easily. The density of dense-graded asphalt allows it to be utilized for many high traffic areas like airports, highways, and can even be used as a base layer to pour other asphalt mixes on top of.

Porous Asphalt Pavement

Porous asphalt is designed to create a permeable pavement so that water can pass through the pavement. Oftentimes asphalt movement is designed to stop water from entering because it can erode the pavement and cause cracking. With porous asphalt, the unique mixture is made by mixing different aggregates which allow water to easily trickle through and get absorbed underneath the pavement. This asphalt type is great to reduce flooding and water overflow but can require additional maintenance. This mixture is not designed to be durable but instead performs a unique function in drainage.

Most Cost-Effective Asphalt Mixtures

Of the different asphalt mixes Hot Mix Asphalt is generally considered to be the most cost-effective. There are a few reasons this mixture beats out others and is considered a default choice for many asphalt pavements. Because of its durability, hot mix asphalt has a longer lifespan, and because of that can be easier to maintain. With less repairs and maintenance required, hot mix asphalt can withstand changes in weather and high traffic.

Handling Asphalt Repairs

Tolliver & Curl provides asphalt maintenance and repairs to maintain the longevity of your pavement. We can assess damage done to the pavement and determine the repairs necessary to stop or slow down erosion. We utilize professional techniques and are equipped to handle any asphalt project.

Central Ohio Asphalt Repair & Paving Professionals

For over 70 years Tolliver & Curl has worked in Central Ohio to pave high quality asphalt. Our team is dedicated to not only professionalism in our work, but in the relationships we have fostered across Columbus for many years. Every piece of pavement we pour or repair we take pride in.

Contact us

Working with businesses, homeowners, and government organizations Tolliver & Curl provides premier asphalt and pavement solutions. Tolliver & Curl paves asphalt highways, roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing high quality asphalt solutions and premier customer service for our clients across Central Ohio. Having a professional team handle your asphalt installations means it will be paved correctly the first time and hold up against wear and tear longer. If you are interested in hiring us for any asphalt paving, repair, or maintenance services please reach out to our offices.