Hot Mix Asphalt
Paving materials play an essential role in masking or beautifying the landscape architecture of various residential and commercial areas. They are specifically used in the construction of driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and even patios. The type of material used in these areas greatly influences the durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Some of the commonly used paving materials include concrete, asphalt, pavers, gravel, and brick. For example, for driveways and parking lots, asphalt and concrete are commonly used due to their high durability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to withstand heavy traffic load.
Therefore, choosing the right paving material is critical to ensuring the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the paved area.
One of the most commonly used material is hot mix, blacktop, asphalt cement, or asphalt concrete. And if you want to know more, we invite you to continue reading as we’re going talk about HMA, its composition, and other related information about this paving material in today’s post.
Definition of HMA
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a composite material predominantly used in construction, particularly for road surfacing and airport runways. The composition of HMA fluctuates based on the desired physical attributes of the end product, but it generally involves the combination of about 95% aggregate materials, such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, and around 5% bitumen, a sticky, black, and highly viscous petroleum product.
The aggregate and bitumen are heated together to a high temperature, mixed, and then cooled, resulting in a dense, flexible, and sustainable material. The term ‘hot mix’ stems from this process of heating and combining the elements. HMA is praised for its durability, impermeability, and loading capacity.
Asphalt concrete is integral to pavement construction due to its desirable properties such as durability, flexibility and weather resistance. It is typically manufactured at high temperatures, which allows for compaction during paving. This asphalt mixture consists of aggregates, binder, and filler, which combine to provide a robust surface layer in road construction. HMA is used either as a new pavements or to resurface existing pavements, contributing to lower life cycle costs of roads due to its high recyclability.
Uses Of HMA
HMA or blacktop is commonly used in these types of structures:
- Road Construction
At the very top of the list is the use of hot mix in the construction of roads. It’s extensively used for paved roads since it provides a durable and weather-resistant surface
- Airport Runways
It is commonly utilized for airport runways due to its capability to withstand the weight and heat generated by planes.
- Parking Lots
The material’s excellent weight-bearing capacity makes it the ideal choice for parking lots.
- Driveways
Lastly, residential driveways use HMA due to its smooth, visually pleasing surface and long lifespan.
How To Calculate The Amount Of HMA Needed?
To calculate the amount of HMA needed, you’ll need to measure the area to be paved in square feet, determine the thickness of the asphalt layer in inches, and know the compacted density of the mix (usually around 140 lbs/ft³). Multiply these three values together to get the total weight in pounds needed.
Aside from that, the ideal thickness of the HMA layer largely depends on its intended use. For residential driveways, a thickness of 2-3 inches is often adequate. Yet, in heavy traffic areas, or for commercial and highway use, HMA layers may need to be 3-6 inches thick to ensure long-lasting durability.
What Are The Steps To Properly Pave A Surface With HMA?
Paving a surface with hot mix involves several steps.
- First, the existing surface is prepared, which may involve removal of old pavement.
- Next, a solid base is built using crushed rock or gravel.
- Then, the HMA is produced by heating and mixing aggregate and asphalt binder.
- The hot mixture is then transported to the work site.
- After that, it is spread and compacted using paving and compaction equipment.
- Finally, the surface is sealed and striped for use.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Asphalt Concrete?
Asphalt concrete offers numerous advantages in construction. It is highly flexible and durable, which makes it ideal for handling heavy traffic and varying weather conditions. This material is also cost-effective as it requires less maintenance and is recyclable.
Moreover, the process of laying asphalt is relatively quick, reducing the time required for road construction. Lastly, it contributes to a smooth and quiet ride, increasing the comfort of road users. Hence, the use of asphalt concrete has significant practical and economic benefits.
Why Hire A Professional For Quality Asphalt Concrete Installation?
Hiring a professional for quality asphalt concrete installation is a sound decision for various reasons. We recommend you to visit Wells Asphalt in Tucson today as they offer expertise and years of experience in the field, ensuring that the job is done correctly, efficiently, and to the highest standard. They are well-versed in the specific needs of asphalt concrete, from the right mix formulation to optimal installation techniques.
Their company is also cognizant of safety regulations and city guidelines, which can help avoid legal complications. Additionally, they have access to professional grade equipment that ensures precision and durability.
All these factors can save time, minimize potential repairs in the future, and enhance the long-term value of your property.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, asphalt concrete is a critical material for modern infrastructure, particularly for building roads and pavements owing to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. However, the quality of the finished product heavily depends on the expertise of the contractor.
Therefore, hiring a trusted paving company such as Wells Asphalt is essential. With their proficiency in managing intricacies of the job, they can ensure excellent results in terms of both quality and aesthetics. And their commitment to excellence, which includes a keen eye for details and use of top-rate materials, should be the standard when considering asphalt concrete projects, as it plays a decisive role in the end product’s longevity and functionality.