When the work is of high quality, asphalt pavement is smooth, level and attractive. However, when the work is of poor quality, the pavement will be rough, ugly and uneven. Perhaps you have seen examples of poor work on various rural roads or parking lots, such as a patched area that looks as if someone just dumped a batch of asphalt and drove away or two sections of pavement that have a jarring transition. However, you might not know what is required to produce quality asphalt pavement.
Understanding Quality Asphalt Paving
Integration or Removal of Existing Pavement
If the new pavement is an expansion of existing pavement, the first step is to perform precision saw-cutting. Milling may also be used to ensure that there is a smooth, seamless transition between the two pavements. If the new pavement is to replace an existing pavement, the old pavement will need to be removed.
Ground Preparation
For new construction, the ground must be properly prepared. This requires grading to ensure that the ground is completely level. The soil will also be compacted to provide greater support.
Base Construction
The base and sub-base are critical elements in the construction of quality pavement. Gravel will be used to construct a strong, stable base to support the weight of the pavement and the traffic it must bear. It requires experience to determine the proper depth of the gravel required for each specific project, and it requires extreme precision to perform the actual construction. If the pavement is replacing an existing pavement, the base will likely need to be repaired or rebuilt.
Drainage Must Be Addressed
Water is a major cause or contributing factor to many types of damage to asphalt pavement, including alligator cracking, potholes, subsidence and heaving. If the pavement does not have the proper grade and slope, water can collect on the surface. Some pavements may need curbs and gutters to direct runoff to storm drains or catch basins, so the contractor must know exactly what will need to be done to ensure proper drainage.
Courses of Asphalt Are Applied
Asphalt pavement is built one layer at a time. Each course of asphalt must be rolled and compacted to ensure that the final result will be an even, smooth pavement. In some instances, a tack coat may need to be applied between courses to prevent slippage. Throughout the process, the asphalt must be kept at the proper temperature; if the asphalt is too cool, it will not spread properly.
Transitions Are Smoothed
Virtually all asphalt pavements connect to streets, parking lots or driveways. These areas require additional attention to prevent a jarring transition or improper drainage. Milling is often used to smooth transitions, but other methods may be applied.
The Surface Course
The final step is to smooth and compact the surface course. Typically, the contractor will use a roller truck to perform this task. The goal of the final roll is to ensure that there are no pieces of aggregate penetrating the new surface and to ensure that the surface will provide a smooth ride for drivers and a safe pavement for pedestrians.
Quality Pavement = Alpha Paving
As a full-service paving contractor with a stellar reputation in Austin, Alpha Paving understands what it takes to install quality asphalt pavement. We are an award-winning company serving customers in the greater Austin area and most locations in Central Texas. Our crews have the expertise required to deliver quality work with true professionalism. Our services include asphalt paving, road construction, sealcoating, asphalt repairs, parking lot striping, speed bumps, pavement marking and parking lot signs. We also offer an extensive range of services for concrete pavement. Our customers include hotels, municipalities, schools, churches, apartment complexes, airports, retailers, shopping malls, HOAs, subdivisions, restaurants, office parks and industrial facilities. If you would like to receive a free quote, you can use our handy online form or call our office at (512) 677-9001.