When it comes to the asphalt paving industry, there are is a glossary of words that are commonly used that customers can be unfamiliar with. Today, we at Andersen Asphalt & Striping would like to prepare the first part of a glossary of common words and phrases used in the asphalt paving world to help you better understand the interactions.
Asphalt Pavement Terms
Accelerator. To make it harden faster, an accelerator is a material additive that is mixed with concrete. For projects where paving needs to be completed quickly it is used to reduce the setting time.
Aggregate. A mix of sand, rock, crushed stone and other particles is included with aggregate. To improve its structural performance, it is mixed with concrete. The formation and flow of the cement paste is improved with the aggregate.
Air Content. How much air is in the concrete mix is measured with air content. To ensure that the cement does not crack from freezing and thawing it is important to understand the air content.
Alligator Cracking. For asphalt pavement, alligator cracking is one of the most common problems. Leading to the cracking starting from the underside of the pavement, the pavement bends under wheel load. Giving it this name, the surface of the pavement features a series of cracks that look like an alligator’s skin.
Asphalt Grinding. To prepare it for an overlay, asphalt grinding is used to roughen the surface of pavement. Additionally, used to remove damaged sections of pavement is asphalt grinding.
Asphalt Pulverizing. Asphalt pulverizing can be used when bigger sections of asphalt need to be replaced. For use in an aggregate mix, this process breaks up existing asphalt and turns it into smaller pieces that can be used. To lay a new base, that aggregate can be used, and it will be compacted and graded so that the new pavement can be installed on top of it. Since it eliminates the need to excavate old pavement and to dispose of it, asphalt pulverizing is a cost-effective way of replacing pavement. For the new pavement, the resulting aggregate also provides a stronger base.
Ballast. Forming the base for the concrete is the ballast is a layer of gravel, course stone or other material. To provide structural support the concrete is poured on top of the ballast.
Bituminous Pavement. Leading to damage to the pavement, temperature changes and water penetration can cause pavement or the soil below it to shift. Allowing it to bend or flex without breaking, bituminous pavement includes petroleum byproducts like asphalt.
Calcium Chloride. In order to accelerate the setting time for concrete, calcium chloride can also be used. Usually when conditions are damp, it is added to ready-mix concrete.
Casting. The process of pouring the concrete into a mold is casting. Parking load or other paved area, the mold is often created with a wooden frame in the shape of the driveway for pavement. The mold is removed after the concrete or asphalt hardens.
Catch Basins. Before directing it into a drainage system, catch basins collect water. To help avoid damage, diverting the water away from the pavement.
Crack Sealing. In order to seal the cracks, the process of adding a polymer-modified AC-20 liquid to cracks in the pavements. To prevent water infiltration and additional damage to the pavement, such as potholes, crack sealing helps. During the early spring or late fall, most paving contractors perform crack sealing.
Asphalt Pavement & Parking Lot Striping, Resealing & More in Reno, Elko, Henderson, North LV, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Las Vegas, NV | State of Nevada
We will further continue our glossary with in future weeks. We hope this helps you better understand the interactions with Andersen Asphalt & Striping. Call us for all your asphalt paving needs.
