Asphalte

Asphalte, also known as asphalt or bitumen, is a viscous, black or dark brown material used primarily for paving surfaces and for roofing. In road construction, it refers to asphalt concrete, a mix of bitumen binder and mineral aggregates. Bitumen is either a residue from petroleum refining or a natural material. Asphalt concrete is produced by heating aggregates and blending with hot binder; it is laid hot and compacted to form a durable surface. Alternative forms include asphalt emulsions and cutback asphalts used for specific applications or colder climates.

Applications include road and runway pavements, parking areas, and roofing felts and shingles. The material is valued for adhesion, waterproofing, and temperature resilience, though performance is affected by heat and cold.

History: Natural asphalt deposits were used in ancient times; modern asphalt for paving began in the 19th century, with widespread adoption after World War II. Production is tied to the petroleum industry, with environmental safeguards and recycling practices addressing emissions.

Durability and maintenance: Service life varies with traffic and climate; preventive maintenance includes sealing and resurfacing; common failures include rutting, cracking, and potholes. Recycling: reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is processed and re-used to produce new asphalt mixtures, reducing material needs and energy use.

Environmental and safety aspects: Production and application emit fumes and volatile compounds, managed by ventilation and controls; the use of recycled materials reduces waste and energy use.