FAQS About Asphalt and Concrete

When deciding on pavement repair options for your property, it is important to do as much research as possible to ensure you make the right decision. It is strongly recommended to speak with a licensed and bonded Indianapolis paving company for professional guidance you can trust. In the meantime, a great place to start is by reviewing some frequently asked questions about asphalt and concrete.

Continue reading to learn about their differences, types, average costs, applications, and more!

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

What Makes Asphalt and Concrete Different?

Asphalt and concrete are made from different materials, giving them separate sets of qualities, both positive and negative. Asphalt is generally a bitumen and tar-based material that is primarily used for coatings, sealing road joints, and blacktops or roads. Concrete is mostly comprised of cement and other aggregates, like sand, pebbles, or crushed rock. Because of its high compressible strength and versatility, it is commonly used in the building and construction industry.

Is Concrete Cheaper Than Asphalt?

When it comes to installation, asphalt is not only cheaper, but easier as well. It is also easier to repair compared to concrete pavements. However, asphalt does requires more routine maintenance. Per square foot, the average cost of asphalt ranges between $2 and $4, depending on crude oil prices and other economic factors. Concrete is more expensive, averaging between $3 and $10, depending on various factors. However, it is easier to care for and lasts a lot longer than asphalt pavements. When you add in maintenance costs for asphalt, the overall price nearly balances out to the same as concrete.

Which Pavements are Best for Asphalt? For Concrete?

Asphalt and concrete are suitable materials for roads, highways, sidewalks, tarmacs, landing strips, and much more. They are both used in the road construction industry, as well as the building and property construction industry. When choosing between the two, you want to consider the unique variables of your property to determine the best option. Talk to your licensed paver for professional advice.

Can Asphalt Be Installed Over Concrete?

Concrete is strong and allows for excellent compaction, making it a suitable base for an asphalt overlay. In fact, several of the roads you drive on have concrete foundations deep underneath them! However, if you wish to overlay a concrete surface with asphalt, you must understand that there can be factors that can generate negative side effects. Consult a professional paver for advice that is unique to your particular property.

Where Can I Find Trusted Indianapolis Paving Near Me?

ACI Asphalt Concrete Inc. 317-549-1833

ACI Asphalt Concrete 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for Indianapolis paving and installation you can trust. Our paving contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have decades of combined hands-on experience in the road construction and design industry. Request a free estimate, today.

What Causes Soil Instability and How Does it Affect Paving Projects?

Paving contractors can never really know what lies beneath their feet until their project begins. At the start of excavation, contractors can start to learn about the soil, dirt, and clay, and whether or not they foresee running into problems or obstacles. One common problem is unstable soil. This basically means that the dirt is too soft to provide a sufficient foundation for pavement installation. When this happens, pavers must find an alternative solution to get the job done right, and in a safe and reliable manner. Continue reading to learn what causes soil instability and how it affects a paving installation or excavation project.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Unstable Soil or Dirt

There are three main issues that cause unstable soil. Decomposing plant life and other organic matter loosen soil and diminish its stability. This is more prevalent when soil is near a body of water or some other source of water.

Another cause, or quality, of unstable soil is reduced compaction or lack of compaction capability. This means that the dirt cannot press into itself, making it stronger and more compact. This is especially common for hills and raised areas that were filled-in with dirt. If the soil is not compacted in thin layers, it cannot present a uniform and even appearance, nor provide a stable foundation for pavement.

The third, and most common, reason for unsteady soil is its make-up or composition. Mineral and element imbalances in dirt can inhibit its ability to compact or provide secure surfaces for asphalt. Soil requires a certain balance of air, water, minerals, and organic matter to be at its most stable. For example, if too much water or moisture is present, then soil becomes mud, which cannot be paved on; and it can take several days and even weeks for mud to dry. Not only would this cause extensive delays in construction, it would cost more money too.

The cause and solution for instable soil largely depends on the circumstance. All cases are different, and it is possible to find several different types of dirt in an excavation. Soil that is not usable must be fixed before any paving can occur.

Here are some solutions that have worked in the past to cure unstable dirt:

• Double-Check for Drainage Problems
• Use Drainage Tiles to Relieve Excess Moisture
• Till Soil to Expedite Drying Time
• Install Soil Separation Fabrics to Reduce Contact with Base Materials
• Install Geo-Grids
• Replace Soil with Proper Base Material in Subgrade
• Chemically-Treat the Soil to Enhance Stability
• Use Foam Asphalt Injections
• Contact a Licensed Asphalt Paving Company for Advice

ACI Asphalt and Concrete in Indianapolis

Parking Lot Paving

Parking Lot Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our paving contractors provide a wide range of pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis paving, today.

Common Applications for High Porosity Pavement

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

High porosity pavement can come in many forms, including both asphalt and concrete materials. Also known as pervious or porous pavement, high porosity pavement is a special because it is designed to allow rainwater to permeate through its pores and into the ground below. Not only is this function beneficial to our local water tables, it is a workable solution to drainage problems, safety concerns, and natural wear and tear for paved surfaces. Continue reading to learn more about high porosity pavement, and its common applications in the building and construction industries.

Underground Aquifers and Pollution Prevention

Porous asphalt and permeable concrete imitate the natural process of rainwater. As rain falls, it is absorbed into the ground, passing through layer upon layer until it reaches the underground aquifer reserves. Since high porosity pavement allows water to pass right through it, it does not impede the natural process of groundwater absorption. Not only does this process reduce water runoff, solve drainage issues on paved surfaces, and return rainwater to underground aqueducts, it catches suspended solids and contaminants. This prevents excess groundwater pollution.

Additional Applications for High Porosity Pavement:

➛ Residential Roadways
➛ Driveways
➛ Parking Lots
➛ Sidewalks
➛ Well Linings
➛ Pool Decks
➛ Patios
➛ Load Bearing Walls
➛ Low-Volume Pavements
➛ Low-Water Bridges
➛ And More

Composition

High porosity pavement is rough, uneven, and bulky in appearance. This is due to the specific amounts of water and aggregate used to attain high air content with just enough cementitious paste to coat particles and interconnect voids. Although high porosity pavement can be comprised of various materials, the most common include cement, course aggregates, fine aggregates, and water. Fine aggregates are used sparingly, but usually sand or clay is used.

Types of High Porosity Pavement:

➛ Porous Asphalt
➛ Single-Sized Aggregate
➛ Plastic Grids
➛ Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers
➛ Permeable Clay Brick Pavers
➛ Bound Recycled Glass Porous Pavement
➛ Resin-Bound Paving
➛ Porous Turf

Commercial and Industrial Paving in Indianapolis

Parking Lot Paving Indianapolis Indiana

Indianapolis Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of paving contractors, provide a wide range of pavement repair and installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-549-1833 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis paving, today.

The Benefits of Porous Asphalt for Commercial Properties

When we use the term, “porous”, we are referring to the permeable areas and holes within a certain kind of pavement; in this case, asphalt. It makes way for storm drainage and street flood challenges. This one-of-a-kind quality makes them one of the most popular choices for parking lot pavement material.

This is due to the fact that porous asphalt and pavements allow water to permeate the surface and penetrate the earth below the pavement, reducing the likelihood of flooding and heavy water accumulation. Funding challenges and rising water levels on the road can cause hazardous driving conditions that can lead to traffic accidents and injuries.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833
Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Porous Pavement

Porous asphalt is a fantastic option for commercial proprietors and building owners whose properties are located in flood zones, or in areas where water drainage. It is the most cost-effective solution to parking lot flooding and deep puddle accretion. Eliminating a drainage problem and commercial parking lots can save property owners a vast amount of money, sweat, and tears by reducing the chances of slip and fall lawsuits and parking lot accidents. Porous asphalt can help reduce all of these scenarios when installed as sidewalks, roads, driveways, parking lots, fire lanes, road shoulders, and more.

For any commercial perjury that have an upcoming pavement project, or for those business owners that require pavement repair or overhaul, here are various reasons why porous asphalt is the right choice in regards to cost effectiveness and long-term benefits:

Durability and Long-Life

Over time, porous pavements demonstrate significantly less cracking, splitting, crumbling, and breaking. This is true even for pavement’s oldest 20 years or more mission point. However, this sort of longevity is dependent upon its installation and maintenance. To extend the life of porous pavement, frequent sleeping and vacuuming is vital in order to reduce surface clogging.

Run-Off

When it comes to commercial projects, porous pavements promote substantially less runoff. This reduces costs in many ways and removes the need for a large detention basin. So long as porous asphalt is installed properly, it has the potential to soak up to 80% of a business’s annual run-off!

Eco-Friendly

Porous pavement can offer a variety of benefits for the environment. It reduces the need for storm system basins and maintains a more manageable pavement temperature during hotter seasons and warmer climates. This means less susceptibility to cracking and splitting. The manufacturing process of porous asphalt is much more energy-efficient because it requires less energy to facilitate. It also reduces emissions, odors, and smoke by substantial amounts.

Porous Pavement Services in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.