HOT MIX ASPHALT, THE VERSATILE PAVEMENT
Posted by Jesse Willoughby on Mon, Feb 09, 2009 @ 04:16 PM
Pavements constructed of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) are so versatile that they can be used in practically every
situation. Consider these examples of the versatility of HMA pavements:
• In parking lots, HMA pavements are durable and economical.
• On interstate highways, HMA pavements stand up to high speeds and heavy trucks.
• In ports and log yards, new types of heavy-duty HMA pavements stand up to static loads.
• On city streets, HMA pavements are cost-effective, durable, safe, and quiet.
• When building a new neighborhood or shopping center, staged construction can be used to provide a durable
pavement during construction, and then topped with a pristine layer of asphalt for a beautiful street that will last
for many years.
The driving surface of an HMA pavement can be customized to
• minimize rutting,
• increase skid resistance,
• lower the risk of hydroplaning,
• decrease splash and spray, or
• absorb noise.
Environmental benefits
Asphalt pavement is America's most recycled product. And asphalt pavements have many environmental uses,
including:
• liners for reservoirs and fish hatcheries,
• caps for landfills, and
• biking/hiking trails that enhance our access to the outdoors while reducing damage to fragile ecosystems.
New technology
HMA offers state-of-the-art technology. New, specially designed pavement types include Superpave, SMA
(Stone Matrix Asphalt), OGFC (Open Graded Friction Course), high-modulus HMA, dense-graded HMA, HMA
with modified binders, and thin-friction lifts.
Easy maintenance
HMA pavements are easy to preserve and maintain because the top layer can be milled off for recycling, then
replaced with a new, durable pavement. On commuter routes, all the work can be done overnight, so that most
motorists are not inconvenienced by construction delays.