Did you know that Canada's first asphalt paved roads were built in 1915? They were in Alberta, specifically Edmonton, Jasper, and Camrose, as well as in Ottawa and Ontario.
Asphalt has a long history. Centuries ago, bitumen, the raw material used to make asphalt, seeped through the ground to form natural deposits.
Some of the largest deposits still exist in Alberta, Utah, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Over the years, asphalt paving modifications resulted in the long-lasting roadways and pavements evident today.
One of the more popular methods of asphalt paving in use today is asphalt pulverization.
The ABCs of Asphalt
A typical asphalt structure, whether a parking lot or driveway, has three layers:
The surface course is the top layer
The base course is the middle layer and found right under the surface layer
The subbase course is the bottom layer found below the base course
Asphalt includes a combination of aggregates, binder, and filler. Aggregates make up roughly 95% of the asphalt. Asphalt recycling introduces alternative aggregates into the traditional asphalt composition. This encourages sustainable practices for major road projects worldwide.
What Is Asphalt Pulverization?
Asphalt pulverization is one of three modern asphalt processes. The other processes are milling and stabilization. They are asphalt recycling methods developed as an eco-friendly alternative for maintaining and repairing asphalt.
Asphalt Milling removes part of the top layer of a paved surface without disturbing the subbase. Removal and collection of the portions takes place. They are then mixed with new paving. The new paving is laid over the subbase to create a new surface. This process avoids complete reconstruction of the structure.
Pulverization is crushing or grinding by using an external force on a solid material. It reduces the material into pieces that are smaller than its original size.
Asphalt pulverization is similar to asphalt milling. It crushes a paved surface but the crushed asphalt is not removed as in the milling process. It becomes a part of the stabilization process.
Asphalt stabilization uses the crumbled remains from the pulverization process and transforms them into new asphalt. A mixture of binding agents and tar is poured on the old asphalt. The mixture hardens into asphalt again after a day or two and is as stable as new asphalt.
The Cost-Saving Benefits of Asphalt Pulverization
Pulverizing asphalt as a method of repaving surfaces has many benefits. The recycling process reduces any negative impact on the environment but it also reduces overall costs. Here's why:
The process uses fewer new materials but still results in a strong, paved surface
It requires minimum effort and fewer resources to remove the asphalt
There is less traffic disruption
It's ideal for surfaces that are too damaged to fill, spot repair, or seal coat
It reduces cracking and extends the life of the paved surface
It results in fewer repairs and repaving
Any excess material can be re-used later on in the project
It allows grading of the base for the levelling of slope deficiencies
There is no cost to remove the material as it stays on site
The Obvious Choice
The cost-saving benefits of asphalt pulverization make it a great choice for any paving project. Consider a company that uses this process and can save you additional costs.
Call K-W Cornerstone Paving Limited. They are a leader in the industry and provide a range of paving services in Kitchener and other communities across Ontario.
Their services include:
Commercial Paving
Industrial Paving
Municipal Paving
Institutional Paving
Asphalt Repair and Maintenance
They provide asphalt paving tailored to your project's needs.