How Paving Is Done

Paving Is Done

When paving, there are several steps that must be taken to achieve a smooth, safe road. The first step is to grade the surface area. This is done with graders. Next, a gravel layer is laid, also known as a frost blanket, to minimize the effects of freezing and thawing. After this, a base layer is applied, containing bitumen, cement, and lime to make the road durable. Finally, the surface layer is laid using the highest quality materials.

Once the planning and designing steps are complete, the process of locating a contractor starts. The Paving company will need to do several steps before breaking ground. In some cases, the company will have to do earthwork and other preliminary work before starting the project. Depending on the requirements, the paving contractor may use a double drum vibratory roller for heavier-traffic surfaces.

Another step in the paving process is milling, or removing the top layer of asphalt. Milling may be disruptive to the neighborhood, so it is performed at night to minimize the impact on traffic. The process also requires special machinery, portable lights, and noise reduction equipment. As a result, milling is a dangerous process.

How Paving Is Done

The sub-base must be stable in the face of changes in weather. In most cases, a sufficient sub base can be created by clearing the soil and adding a layer of aggregate stone on top. This helps prevent the sub-base from shifting or settling. Alternatively, an old asphalt driveway can be used as the sub base. Once the sub-base is established, the binding material will be applied.

Another crucial step is to choose the right temperature for the asphalt mix. Asphalt can be difficult to compact when it is too cold. In a cold climate, it is better to wait for the mix to cool down before spreading the asphalt mix. When the asphalt mix is too hot, it will cool too quickly, making the final result a hard, brittle pavement.

When paving, there are several different steps that need to be taken to achieve a perfect finish. First, the asphalt cement is heated to a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, the rock-based aggregate and sand are mixed with the asphalt cement. This mixture is then transported to the project site. After that, the asphalt paver places the asphalt pavement. The final step is compaction with rollers to harden the pavement.

Asphalt cement is made in a refinery, so it must be free of water. However, the moisture inside the tanks can make the asphalt cement foam. This foaming is not good for the environment and poses a safety hazard. Usually, asphalts are not allowed to foam at temperatures below 347 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, asphalt cement fumes will flash, if a spark occurs.