asfalttitien

Asfalttitie is Finnish for a road surface made of asphalt concrete, a mix of aggregates bound with bitumen. It is the most common road surface in Finland and many other countries, chosen for durability, smoothness, and relatively low maintenance. Asphalt pavements are designed to carry varying traffic volumes, weather conditions, and loads.

Construction typically involves a pavement system with subgrade, subbase, base course, and a wearing course. The wearing course, usually 5–10 cm thick on light roads and thicker on heavy routes, consists of asphalt concrete. The mix is prepared and laid hot, then compacted with rollers to form a dense, smooth surface. Proper joint construction and timely resurfacing help prevent water intrusion and extend life.

Maintenance and performance depend on use and climate. Many asphalt pavements last 15–30 years with proper care. Common actions include crack sealing, pothole repair, surface sealing, milling, and overlay or full resurfacing. Ensuring good drainage and appropriate surface texture is important for safety and noise reduction.

Environmental aspects and history. Asphalt can be recycled; reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is reused in new mixes, reducing material use. Production requires energy and emits greenhouse gases, but using warm-mix or recycled materials lowers impact. Asphalt pavements have been widely used since the late 19th century and became the predominant road surface during the 20th century.