By Allyson Burke


Asphaltic material designed of aggregate and petroleum-based binders is used in paving driveways and car parks because it is long lasting and can support heavy loads. As long as the blacktop of asphaltic pavements is maintained properly, the drives and parking lots can endure for long. With help of an asphalt company Maryland area, you can install pavements that improve the curb appeal of your premises.

Despite the economic and aesthetic values of asphaltic material, they also suffer from structural defects. As the blacktop ages, it begins to disintegrate in strength. The binding properties of the petroleum-based binder diminish with time. A constant oxidation process takes place in asphalt pavement where the molecules are continuously shifting and re-assembling as they search for equilibrium status.

Different defects occur on pavement designed of asphalt material and they include cracks, potholes, depressions, sinkholes, and upheavals. Cracks start appearing when you notice the change in color on the pavement surface. This is the first sign that you probably need to look out for in order to determine if the paving surface is disintegrating.

Heavy loads cannot be supported when the subgrade is weak and soon other problems start occurring. The cracks enlarge and form potholes, and if the freeze-thaw cycle occurs, it leads to formation of many potholes. The asphaltic paving material is only as strong as the sub base in which it sits on.

The salts are applied as part of the snow clearance process during the heavy formation of ice in winter. However, those salts can react with asphaltic material and break it down leading to damages. Gasoline products such as engine oils and transmission fluids also react with asphalt material making the binding properties loose.

When you see the surface of pavement unraveling, it means that the aggregate mixture is wearing out. This is caused by deteriorating bonding structures of blacktop. When raveling continues, the asphaltic materials further weaken and the fine hairline cracks now spread wide as well as deepen. At this points, the cracks are clearly visible and you need a corrective measure to prevent further disintegration.

During installation, pavement surfaces have to be designed of properly compacted base. The soil and aggregate stones should be compacted to keep the base firm. During the compaction, a crown-to-edge slope is designed which makes the pavements slant towards the edges for proper draining of surfaces water. The water collecting on blacktop should drain away from the surfaces and be channeled to areas away from the road structures and buildings.

If that water is allowed to remain stagnant on the surface, it can eventually enter the sub base and cause troubles. A firmly compacted base can promote the life span of pavements because it does not allow shifting of soils. A strong base helps the pavements support heavy loads preventing tearing apart of pavement surface or formation of depressions. By contacting an asphalt company Maryland area, you are able to install, repair, and maintain your driveways or parking lots in the right condition.




About the Author:



Powered by Blogger.
 
Top