Asphalting

Asphalting is the process of laying down asphalt, a composite material commonly used for road construction, parking lots, and pathways. Asphalt is primarily composed of aggregate, such as crushed stone or gravel, bound together by bitumen. Bitumen is a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum.

The asphalting process typically begins with the preparation of the base layer, which provides a stable foundation. This is often followed by one or more layers of asphalt. Hot mix asphalt, the most common type, is heated to high temperatures and mixed with bitumen at a plant. This mixture is then transported to the site while still hot, spread evenly over the prepared surface using paving machines, and compacted using rollers to achieve a smooth and durable surface.

Cold mix asphalt is another type, which uses emulsified bitumen or cutback bitumen that allows it to be laid at ambient temperatures. This type is often used for patching potholes or for temporary repairs as it is less durable than hot mix asphalt. The thickness of the asphalt layers and the type of mix used depend on the intended use and expected traffic load. Asphalting is a widely adopted construction method due to its relatively low cost, speed of installation, and smooth riding surface.