Asphalt is a fundamental material in construction, from roads to parking lots, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Despite its everyday presence, asphalt is full of interesting details that highlight its importance, longevity, and eco-friendliness. Let’s explore some fun facts aboutasphalt paving that may surprise you.

Asphalt Has a Rich History

Thefirst recorded use of asphalt for road paving occurred in Paris in 1824. To accommodate the increasing number of travelers, asphalt blocks were laid on the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in the world. Since then, the use of asphalt has expanded globally, evolving into the advanced paving material we see today. So, next time you stroll down an asphalt-paved road, you can appreciate its centuries-old history.

Asphalt and Ancient Egypt

Here’s an unexpected fact: asphalt has been linked to the mummification process in ancient Egypt. While it wasn’t used in road paving back then, ancient Egyptians harnessed the preservative qualities of asphalt (or bitumen) to embalm bodies. This connection between modern road construction and ancient preservation techniques shows the incredible versatility of asphalt throughout history.

Asphalt is America’s Most Recycled Product

When you think of recycling, materials like paper, plastic, or cardboard probably come to mind. However, did you know that asphalt is the most recycled product in America? According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, asphalt pavements are recycled at a staggering rate of over 99%. This saves American taxpayers over $300 million each year! Instead of being discarded, old asphalt is crushed and reprocessed for use in new projects, making it an environmentally responsible choice for paving roads, driveways, and parking lots.

94% of U.S. Roads Are Paved with Asphalt

There are more than 2.2 million miles of paved roads across the United States, and a remarkable 94% of them are surfaced with asphalt. This includes about 65% of the country’s interstate highways, demonstrating the material’s strength, durability, and flexibility in handling heavy traffic. Whether it’s a residential street or a busy highway, asphalt is the material of choice.

Where Does Asphalt Get Its Name?

The name “asphalt” comes from the primary binding agent used in the mixture—bitumen. This liquid asphalt binder holds the mineral aggregate together, forming the cohesive material we know as asphalt pavement. The mix is heated and spread to form a smooth, durable surface, creating roads, parking lots, and driveways that can withstand harsh weather and heavy traffic.

Asphalt Paving is Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting

One of the most appealing qualities of asphalt is its durability. In fact, asphalt surfaces typically experience only a 40% decrease in quality during the first 75% of their lifespan. This means that with a proper maintenance plan, your asphalt pavement can last for decades. Preventative measures like sealcoating and crack filling can help extend its life and offer a greatreturn on investment, making asphalt a smart choice for long-term cost savings.

Asphalt Can Reduce Noise Pollution

If you’ve ever driven on a newly paved road, you might have noticed how much quieter it is. Research shows that asphalt can reduce highway noise levels by 3 to 5 A-weighted decibels, which is the standard measurement for the relative loudness of sounds as perceived by human ears. This makes asphalt a great choice for urban areas or near residential neighborhoods where reducing traffic noise is a priority.

Asphalt is an Energy-Efficient Material

Asphalt pavements are durable and cost-effective, and they also help conserve energy. The smooth surface of asphalt roads reduces friction between tires and the pavement, which can improve vehicle fuel efficiency. Additionally, the ability to recycle asphalt means less energy is required to produce new materials, making it an environmentally friendly option for paving.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

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Tags: asphalt facts, asphalt myths, asphalt paving

This entry was posted on Friday, October 18th, 2024 at 9:58 pm and is filed under Asphalt Paving. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.