Paving creates safe, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing walkways, parking areas, driveways, and pathways. It also serves several other purposes, including improving safety and functionality and increasing property value.
Smooth pavements save time and fuel through reduced vehicle wear and tear, decrease maintenance costs, and are safer for pedestrians and people with disabilities. Click here to Learn More.
Paving is covering a surface with durable material to create roads, sidewalks, walkways, and other infrastructure elements. It can involve a variety of construction materials and techniques, depending on the specific needs of each project.
Site Preparation: This involves clearing the area of vegetation, debris, and obstacles, as well as grading and leveling the soil to ensure drainage and stability. A base layer of crushed rock or gravel is then installed to support the final paved surface.
Binder Layer: The binder layer consists of a mixture of large aggregate and oil that provides a strong, durable foundation for the asphalt surface. It is then covered by a layer of fresh asphalt to create a smooth, functional surface for vehicles.
Safety: Paved roadways are more stable and safer than dirt roads, reducing vehicle damage and accidents. They also allow drivers to travel faster and more smoothly, minimizing travel time and fuel consumption. Accessibility: Well-maintained paved surfaces provide safe and accessible routes for pedestrians and people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and mobility for all.
Base Layer
Base layers are worn next to skin and provide insulation, move moisture away from the body, and help regulate temperature. They’re also designed to work well in a range of conditions and activity levels. They can be manufactured from synthetic fabrics, natural fibres, or blends and are often made with the latest textile technology. For example, many of them feature Polygiene StayFresh, our anti-odor protection solution.
The fabric used to manufacture base layers will determine the temperature and insulating properties of the garment. For example, merino wool is a natural performance fibre that is lightweight, naturally resists odour and helps regulate body temperature. It’s also soft against the skin and durable, making it a great choice for outdoor activity wear. However, it can take longer to dry than synthetics.
Synthetic base layers are the go-to for high-intensity activities because they excel in wicking sweat, drying quickly and being durable. They’re also often cheaper than wool and can be made with a wide variety of colours and patterns to suit your style. However, it’s important to choose a synthetic base layer that fits comfortably, ideally close to the skin. If the fabric is too tight, it will restrict movement and chafe. If it’s too loose, it will allow dirt and odor to cling to the fabric.
Binder Layer
The asphalt binder layer is the paving contractor’s first step towards creating durable and long-lasting pavement. It binds the aggregate and forms the base of the structure, while providing structural integrity and flexibility. The binder layer also helps to prevent moisture damage and other environmental influences that can weaken the overall structure.
In the process of constructing the asphalt binder, your paving contractor will add other ingredients to create a mixture that is suitable for the job at hand. These may include ground tire rubber or crumb rubber obtained from recycled tires, which helps enhance the elasticity of the asphalt and reduce cracking. In addition, cellulose fibers or synthetic fibers can help improve the resistance of the asphalt to weathering and aging.
The final ingredient that your paving contractor will mix into the asphalt binder is a material known as water repellent, which will make the finished surface of the pavement waterproof. This is essential because it will keep the underlying layers of the pavement free from water damage that could cause them to lose strength and flexibility. A water repellent will also help to minimize road noise and provide a smooth driving surface for your vehicles.
Hot Mix Asphalt
Asphalt is one of the most popular paving materials used today. It is known for its durability and longevity on roadways. It is also known for being easy to repair and maintain. There are many different types of asphalt, but the majority of paving projects use hot mix asphalt (HMA).
HMA is made from size-graded aggregate and liquid asphalt cement, which are heated to high temperatures at an asphalt plant. It is then transported to the paving site and spread and compacted with a specialized machinery.
Another type of asphalt is porous asphalt, which allows water to drain through the paved surface. This helps with stormwater management by reducing the amount of pollutants that are carried to waterways.
Warm mix asphalt, or WMA, uses lower production temperatures in order to make the asphalt binder fluid enough to coat the aggregates. This results in fewer emissions and odors, both at the plant and at the paving site. This type of asphalt also is less harmful to the environment, reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it is safer for workers and can be used on days when air quality would otherwise make paving unsafe.
Compaction
Soil compaction involves increasing the soil’s density and removing air, resulting in a material that is denser than the original state. This process also increases the stiffness of the soil, preventing future settlement. It eliminates voids and interlocks the particles, which allows the soil to support much heavier loads than loose sand with a lot of air in it.
Several methods can be used for compaction, including vibration, impact and kneading. The most effective way to compact the material depends on the type of soil, such as clay or granular soils. These types become plastic when wet and hard when dry, so impact and pressure methods tend to work best.
It is important that the soil be at its optimum moisture content prior to compaction, which can be determined through laboratory testing, such as a Proctor test or a modified Proctor test. The ideal moisture level ensures that the soil compacts well without compromising its structural integrity or allowing water infiltration and ground expansion.
Soils that are too wet to compact can be dried by limiting or restricting foot traffic in the area until it is ready for use. For residential construction, this can be done by lining walkways with stone or mulch, or by using a gravel path to divert foot traffic from sensitive areas.
Curing
A new driveway looks great and can increase the value of your home. But it’s important to let the concrete cure so it lasts. The curing process increases the strength and reduces water permeability of concrete structures. The exact time it takes to cure varies depending on the mix design, weather conditions, and slab thickness.
Choosing the right asphalt mix for your project is crucial, and proper compaction speeds up the curing process as well. This helps to reduce the air voids in the mixture, which boosts its stability and load-bearing capacity. If you are paving an area that will be subject to heavy traffic, consider opting for a premium mix, which has been designed to cure faster and stand up to the consistent pressure of vehicles.
It’s also important to avoid exposing newly poured concrete to hazards like gasoline or other flammable liquids, which can damage it. It’s also a good idea to seal the concrete to protect it from moisture, dirt, and other damaging elements until it is fully cured. Once the curing process is complete, your new driveway will be ready for use. However, you should still be careful when driving on it and be sure to not drive over it with a heavy vehicle until it is completely cured.
Striping
Striping is an important part of asphalt paving. It is used aesthetically as well as functionally to create parking spaces, lanes and boundaries. It also helps guide traffic, making the lot safer for pedestrians and vehicles. Striping can also help a business or organization comply with ADA standards.
Before the paving company can begin the process of striping the asphalt, it must ensure that the surface is clean and free of debris. This can be done by power washing or sweeping the area, and then allowing it to dry completely. It is best to repair any cracks or potholes at this time as well. This will make the paint job last longer and avoid any future problems.
The paving company will use a special type of paint, often thermoplastic. This is preferred over regular paint, as it offers more durability and has reflective glass beads that are visible at night. This type of paint is also water-resistant and will not freeze in cold weather.
As a facility manager, line striping will be an ongoing part of your commercial maintenance. It is necessary to keep your pavement markings clear so that drivers can park more easily, and it also signals the professionalism of a business or organization.