Paving

Paving is the process of creating a hard, durable surface over prepared ground to support pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It is used for roads, sidewalks, driveways, plazas, and other paved areas, and can employ a variety of materials and methods.

Common paving materials include asphalt concrete, a flexible mixture of aggregate and bitumen; Portland cement concrete, a rigid surface; and laid units such as brick, concrete pavers, or natural stone. Permeable and interlocking designs are increasingly used to manage stormwater and improve drainage. The choice of material depends on factors such as traffic loads, climate, maintenance, and cost.

The paving process typically involves site preparation and subgrade assessment, installation of a subbase and base course to provide structural support, and then the laying, jointing, and compaction of the surface layer. Asphalt is laid hot and compacted with rollers, while concrete is poured as slabs or panels and cured. Pavers are set in a bedding layer and jointed with sand or polymeric materials.

Maintenance and inspection address surface wear, cracks, and drainage concerns. Asphalt requires crack sealing, patching, and periodic resurfacing; concrete may require joint sealing and resurfacing; paver systems can be lifted and reset if loose or cracked. Proper drainage, frost protection, and regular maintenance extend pavement life.

Historically, paving has evolved from cobblestones and bricks to modern asphalt and concrete pavements, with ongoing advances in materials, permeable designs, and maintenance techniques.