Tag Archives: hot asphalt mix

The Difference Between Hot Asphalt and Warm Asphalt Mix

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Asphalt is a highly-beneficial paving material that can be used in various applications within the construction industry. There are several types of asphalt mixes, including hot mix asphalt (HMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA), cold mix asphalt, cut-back asphalt concrete, mastic asphalt concrete, and variations of them all. By customizing aggregate material composition, binders, and more, contractors can achieve the proper asphalt pavement mix needed for the job. In this blog, we will discuss the principle differences between the two most popular forms of asphalt: HMA and WMA.

Continue reading to learn more about hot mix asphalt and warm mix asphalt, and what makes them so different.

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Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is just that: hot. It is poured at a high temperature of 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and is only applied when outdoor temperatures exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit because it cools so rapidly. In the United States, it is the most common method of asphalt paving used for high-traffic pavements like highways, roads, interstates, and more. This is largely due to its advantageous qualities. Hot mix asphalt is water and weather resistant, flexible, and environmentally-friendly. Interesting uses for HMA includes environmental liners for places like reservoirs, landfills, and fish hatchery ponds.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt is manufactured and shipped at lower temperatures, usually between 200 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has a slower cooling rate than HMA. This means it can be used in colder seasons or climates for road, highway, and interstate construction. For the same reason, it can be shipped long distances as well. WMA is used in roughly 30 percent of paving projects around the country because of its slow cooling rate, versatility, environmental benefits, and health benefits for workers. Since WMA is poured at lower temperatures, it reduces the amount of dust, smoke, and fumes created when applying HMA. This is safer for workers as well as the surrounding environment. It is also a wise choice for paving in tunnels, especially on a poor air quality day!

Indianapolis Asphalt and Concrete Paving Services

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.

What is Perpetual Pavement?

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Asphalt is a wonderful and versatile pavement that provides a wide range of benefits, both financial and environmental. The smooth ride, enhanced safety, and appealing luster are just a few of the many admirable attributes of asphalt pavement. But what is perpetual pavement? Is it the same thing? What applications is it used in? For answers to these questions and more, continue reading and eliminate the confusion between perpetual and porous pavement.

Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833
Indianapolis Asphalt Seal Coating 317-549-1833

Perpetual Pavement

Perpetual pavement is simply asphalt! However, it is a type of asphalt that combines all the smoothness and safety of asphalt, but in multiple layers. Perpetual pavement uses an advanced design process that lays asphalt in multiple layers to increase durability, strength, and longevity in roads and highways. This makes it perfect for areas with high traffic volume.

The first (bottom) layer of perpetual asphalt is flexible but strong, and resists pliable pressure caused by heavy traffic and more. This prevents the occurrence of cracks forming at the very bottom of pavement foundations.

The permanent structural portion of laying perpetual pavement is finished in the intermediate layer, following the bottom layer. This intermediate layer provides more strength and durability, as well as, extends lifespan of asphalt.

The last layer of perpetual asphalt is the rut-resistant hot-mix asphalt portion. It produces years of lasting resistance and durability that’s well passed the scheduled date for restoration.

The advantages of perpetual pavement services are well-worth the effort. Since the process is quick and efficient, construction times are reduced and traffic is not blocked or delayed for long periods of time. Also, this type of pavement installation provides exceptionally long-lasting strong pavement that is virtually uninfluenced by harsh weather and heavy traffic volume.

Commercial Asphalt and Concrete Paving Service in Indianapolis

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial or industrial asphalt installation and repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed road construction contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete work for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.