ASPHALT

Asphalt is the heaviest fraction of

petroleum, left behind when the more
volatile compounds evaporate. It flows
slowly during warm weather and may be
stiff enough to shatter during cold times.
Geologists use the word "asphalt" to refer
to what most people call tar, so
technically this specimen is asphaltic
sand. Its underside is pitch-black, but it
weathers to a medium gray. It has a mild
petroleum odor and can be crumbled in
the hand with some effort. A harder rock
with this composition is called bituminous
sandstone or, more informally, tar sand.
Asphalt is a brownish-black semisolid or solid mixture of bitumen, either
from a native source or as a petroleum by-product. Sometimes the term
asphalt refers to a mixture of asphalt with sand, gravel or crushed stone.
Asphalt is a natural or artificial mixture in which bitumen is associated
with inert mineral matter. It is black or brownish black in color. At
temperature between 50100C it is in liquid state whereas at
temperature less than this it remains in solid state. Because it is a
thermoplastic material it softens as it is heated and hardens as it is
cooled. It is the basic paving material in use today.

TYPE OF ASPHALT

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Hot Mix Asphalt (HMAC) - Hot

Mix Asphalt, or as it is commonly
referred to as, HMA, is a mixture of
materials used for asphalt paving. The
mixture, which is typically mixed in a
HMA depot, consists of around 95%
stone, sand and gravel and is bonded
together using asphalt binder, which is a
by-product if crude oil processing. The binding agent is heated and then
the other materials are mixed in, and resultant mixture is churned and
kept at a heated temperature until use. This mixed, heated compound is
then loaded onto trucks that transport it on-site where the mixture is
dumped into a pavers hopper which immediately spreads the paving
material and this is compacted by a heavy metal roller. All this happens in
a matter of minutes to ensure the whole process takes place while the
asphalt is still hot. HMA is what is used in most of asphalt installations
including roads, pavements, parking lots, and so on.

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) - Warm Mix Asphalt

is similar to HMAC, except that the temperature
required for manufacture is reduced by adding
emulsions, waxes or zeolites to the mixture. The
process is more beneficial for both the environment
and the workings, as it consumes less fossil fuel and
reduces fume emission. Cold Mix Asphalt is emulsified
in soapy water before mixing, which eliminates the
need for such high temperatures entirely. However, cold mix asphalt is not
as durable as WAM or HMAC, and it is only used for low-traffic areas and to
patch other forms of asphalt.

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Cut-back asphalt Cutback Asphalt is a mixture of

asphalt cement and petroleum solvents. The most
common types are classified as slow cure and medium
cure. Cutbacks have viscosities that are typically lower
than that of neat asphalt. After a cutback is applied, a
portion of the solvent will eventually evaporate leaving
only the asphalt cement after it has cured. Their uses
included
dust
control,
pavement
maintenance,
construction (chip seal) and cold mix patching. Cut-back asphalt has been
illegal in the United States since the 1970s, but is still used around the
world today. This type of asphalt is the least environmentally friendly of all
asphalts, causing significantly more pollution. It is created by dissolving
the binder in kerosene before mixing it with the aggregate. This reduces
the viscosity of the asphalt while it is layered and compacted. Later, the
kerosene evaporates, leaving a hard surface.

Mastic asphalt - Mastic asphalt, or sheet asphalt,

has much lower bitumen content than rolled concrete.
It is mostly used in roofing and flooring, but is still
sometimes used in roads and footpaths. Another
variety of mastic asphalt is stone mastic asphalt
(SMA) which has anti-skid properties and is devoid of
air pocket. Unfortunately, if laid improperly, SMA can
cause slippery road conditions, but it is still becoming popular as an
alternative to rolled or plain mastic asphalt.

Open-Graded friction course (OGFC) - OpenGraded friction course asphalt is a form of flexible
pavement that is constructed with polish-resistant
aggregates which has outstanding frictional characteristics.
The texture of this form of asphalt improves tire contact
with the pavement and reduces the potential for
hydroplaning in wet weather. OGFC is only used as a top layer for other
forms of asphalt and is thus more easily folded than other types of
asphalt, and is not recommended for use in intersections or any location
where there are frequently heavy turning movements, such as in ramp
terminals.

ADVANTAGES
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMAC)

Very durable material

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Aesthetic look of a well paved

Pitch-black road that just looks great against a very colorful
background.
HMA is completely recyclable
The cost of using HMA is much lower

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)

Reduces Plant Fuel Consumption Studies have shown that
running your plant at 35 F 100 F lower will reduce fuel consumption by
an average of 15%.
Reduces VOC Stack Emissions The EPA has found that volatile
organic compounds (VOC) released through the stack of an asphalt plant
are well within required EPA guidelines. The use of WMA has been shown
to reduce these emissions between 50-90%.
Easy to Compact - WMA has been found to be easier to compact,
especially very stiff mix designs. Some contractors have eliminated a
roller from the paving train. This saves money, time and energy resources.
Increased RAP Usage The reduced viscosity of the WMA allows
for easier coverage of the RAP and because the asphalt cement is not
being aged at higher temperatures, the virgin asphalt binder may help to
rejuvenate the inherent binder of the RAP. The increased use of RAP is a
savings to contractors, agencies, and creates sustainable pavements by
reducing the need for petroleum and virgin aggregates.
Fume and Smell Reduction The largest source of emissions from
an asphalt plant is the result of fuel combustion during the drying and
heating process. The decrease in fuel consumption is directly correlated to
reducing these emissions. In addition, reducing temperature at load out
and paving has a direct correlation to fumes at the plant and asphalt
pavers.
Better Work Environment The reduction in temperature behind
the paver makes a more comfortable environment for employees and
government workers.
Reduces Aging Asphalt Cement The heating of asphalt cement oxidizes
the material for every 25 F it is heated. By decreasing the temperature
needed to produce WMA we may be decreasing the aging of the asphalt
binder and thereby creating longer lasting pavements.

Cut-back asphalt

It is a simply combination of asphalt cement and petroleum solvent

Cutbacks are used because they reduce asphalt viscosity for lower
temperature uses (tack coats, fog seals, slurry seals, stabilization
material)
Cutback asphalt is said to cure as the petroleum solvent
evaporates away

Mastic asphalt
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Durability - Mastic asphalt is the premier bituminous waterproofing

and surfacing product available. Unlike a traditional tarmacadam surface,
which could last 5-10 years, mastic asphalt has the ability to last up to 60
years. The polymers used in mastic asphalt improve elasticity in both hot
and cold weather conditions, which help to maintain its structural integrity
and durability.
Waterproof - Mastic asphalt is unaffected by water and provides a
proven seamless waterproofing and tanking material that is second to
none.
Cost-effective - Because it outlasts all other bituminous materials
mastic asphalt doesn't need replacing as often, thus delaying on its
replacement for many years.
Health & Safety - Unlike brick and block paving, mastic asphalt is
laid in a continuous film without the need for joints, which means that
accidents such as slips, trips and falls are reduced.
Safe - Mastic asphalt provides a safe non-slip surface for
pedestrians and non-skid carriageway for vehicles.
Maintains its Appearance - Mastic asphalt can also be made fuel
and acid resistant and can be cleaned with pressure water jets without
detriment to the surface, unlike other bituminous surfacing materials,
which can be very susceptible to water damage.
Environmentally Friendly - Mastic asphalt is a potentially 100%
recyclable product and is classified as non-toxic.
Design Flexibility - Mastic asphalt in its molten state can be molded to
any irregular shape and be laid around any obstruction in-situ.
Faster Project Completion - Mastic asphalt can be laid quickly
over large areas when supplied by hot charge deliveries. (The Tyne Tunnel
12000 m2 was completed over three weekend closures). Smaller contracts
can be supplied in block form for re-melting the required quantity on-site,
whilst larger contracts can be supplied via a fleet of heated and stirred hot
charge transporters.
Designing with Color - To the architect or project manager mastic
asphalt offers limitless scope for design opportunities. It can be specified
in almost any color, texture and design and is an ideal choice where
general aesthetics have to be combined with long-lasting waterproofing or
paving.

Open-Graded friction course (OGFC)

Heavy rainfall The open nature of the pavement will allow water
to permeate and prevent splash and spray. This also reduces the risk
of vehicle hydroplaning, which can be a serious danger in certain
areas where drainage is an issue. In addition, the storm water runoff
from OGFCs is typically cleaner than that of dense graded
pavements.
High Friction Needs OGFCs can also be used to increase safety
in scenarios where high surface friction is needed to prevent
accidents.
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 Noise Sensitive Areas Residential settings and other similar

areas well suited to quiet pavements represent a good opportunity
for OGFC application
High Volume/High Speed Traffic Use of OGFCs in a high traffic
volume or high speed setting is also beneficial, as this helps keep
the pores of the pavement clear. In addition, these often represent
some of the areas where their noise reduction properties will provide
the most benefit.
This aggregate structure provides a higher degree of friction as well
as permeability to the surface of the pavement

DISADVANTAGES
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMAC)

Less durability than other paving methods

Less tensile strength than concrete
The tendency becomes slick and soft in hot weather and a certain
amount of hydrocarbon pollution to soil and groundwater or
waterways.

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)

WMAs disadvantages are mainly related to rutting and moisture
susceptibility issues

Cut-back asphalt
o Environmental regulations. Cutback asphalts contain volatile
chemicals that evaporate into the atmosphere. Emulsified asphalts
evaporate water into the atmosphere.
o Loss of high energy products. The petroleum solvents used require
higher amounts of energy to manufacture and are expensive
compared to the water and emulsifying agents used in emulsified
asphalts.

Mastic asphalt

This material contains petroleum-based products in the form of

bitumen. Bitumen not only has a noxious odor in many cases, but
may also produce hazardous fumes long after it is installed
Increased material cost associated with higher asphalt binder and
filler contents, and fiber additive.
Increased mixing time and time taken to add extra filler, may result
in reduced productivity.
Possible delays in opening to traffic as the SMA (Stone Mastic
Asphalt) mix should be cooled to 40C to prevent flushing of the
binder to the surface (bleeding).
Can cause slippery road conditions

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Open-Graded friction course (OGFC)

Obvious disadvantage of using OGFC in a thick layer application is

due to its poor strength and durability
increase the potential for stripping of the surface and underlying
pavement (they do not seal the underlying pavement against
moisture intrusion)

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ASPHALT IN APPLICATION
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMAC)
HMAC is the form of asphalt concrete most commonly used on high traffic
pavements such as those on major highways, racetracks and airfields.

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)

Used for low-traffic areas and to patch other forms of asphalt.

Cut-back asphalt
applied to the road surface, the solvent evaporates, leaving the asphalt
cement on the roadway.

Mastic asphalt
Mastic asphalt is used for paving roadways, sidewalks, driveways and
parking lots. It is often applied to residential and commercial roofing
structures because of its superior waterproofing capabilities

Open-Graded friction course (OGFC)

Benefits commonly associated with this type of pavement include the
rapid removal of water from the roadway surface, improved overall skid
resistance, and reduced noise emissions.

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REFFERENCES
http://www.pavementinteractive.org/article/cutback-asphalt/
http://pavefl.com/node/107
http://www.pureasphalt.co.uk/benefits-of-mastic-asphalt.html
http://www.pavementinteractive.org/2011/06/07/open-graded-friction-courseskeeping-an-open-mind/
http://www.qprshopworx.com/2012/01/31/advantages-of-warm-mix-asphalt/

Asphalt

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