What is Asphalt?

Asphalt is the most common material used for roads and parking lots in Alberta

Asphalt is a composite material that is made up of crushed gravel, sand, and liquid asphalt binder. Liquid asphalt binder is sticky, black, and viscous substance produced from the Alberta oil sands. The stone and sand provide strength and stability to the asphalt, while the asphalt cement acts as a binder that holds the aggregates together. Liquid asphalt is a byproduct of crude oil refining and has adhesive properties that allow it to bind the aggregates effectively.

Asphalt is called by many different names which can sometimes be confusing, not least because asphalt can refer to the liquid binder or to the mix of the liquid asphalt and the aggregate. "Hot-mix asphalt", "Blacktop", and "Asphalt Concrete" all refer to the mix, while "Bitumen", "asphalt cement", and "liquid asphalt" refer to the binder.

How is Asphalt made and used?

Asphalt manufacturing plants make asphalt by heating aggregates and liquid asphalt then mixing according to an engineered mix design. Asphalt is made of about 5% liquid asphalt and 95% aggregate and will be commonly mixed at between 150°C and 180°C. The hot mix is then transported to the construction site and laid down hot. As it cools, the asphalt gains strength and forms a solid surface that can withstand the weight of vehicles and provide a smooth and durable road surface.

Asphalt is also one of the most recycled materials in the world, asphalt paving mixes can contain between 10% and 20% recycled content. PavePros is proud to recycle all removed asphalt.

There are many different types of asphalt mixes used in Calgary and Southern Alberta for different applications. For most driveways and parking lots the recommended asphalt is called "Commercial B", so named because it is a commercial modification to a standard City of Calgary "City B" mix commonly used as a surface mix on city roads.

Asphalt is typically placed using an asphalt paver but can also be placed by hand. After placing the asphalt is compacted using roller compactors or plate compactors. Compaction must be completed before the asphalt cools to ensure required density is achieved. Asphalt that is not placed to the correct thickness (as measured AFTER compaction is complete) or compacted to the correct density is more likely to fail prematurely.

Why should you consider asphalt for your driveway?

Asphalt offers several advantages for driveway, parking lot, and road construction. It is lower cost than concrete, quick to construct, and can be easily repaired or resurfaced. It also provides good traction for vehicles, reduces noise levels, and has excellent resistance to weathering and environmental conditions. Unlike concrete it can even be driven on as soon as it cools, no waiting for a 28-day cure period!

PavePros knows asphalt and can help you select an asphalt structure that will perform for you in all of Calgary’s weather conditions.