The ‘Good Oil’ on Asphalt.
Castrol Oil used to run an advertising commercial saying, “Oils ain’t Oils” – meaning that there are plenty of engine oils out there – but are you using the best?
The same applies to asphalt.
“Asphalt ain’t Asphalt” unless it’s produced properly using the best available materials, with the best possible plant processes and the best laydown and compaction procedures. There are plenty of asphalt producers and contractors out there – but are you using the best?
Sure, the best may not be the cheapest at the time but in the long term your asphalt pavement will last longer. In other words, the client and the community are getting an asphalt pavement that will go the distance and will save money and disruption in the long term.
Of course, the whole pavement must also be constructed properly. The need for a well-prepared sub-base and base as well as good drainage design are critical to a successful asphalt pavement.
To produce a high quality asphalt product it is important to use consistently high quality aggregates that are strong, well-shaped and sized. Inconsistent quality will lead to poor consistency in the asphalt produced.
The asphalt plant must be well maintained and controlled by trained staff to achieve a consistent output and there must be a planned quality testing regime in place.
Importantly, the asphalt mix must be delivered to the paving site at the optimum temperature whether as hot mix or as a warm mix.
Placement and compaction should only be done by qualified and experienced contractors.
Proper compaction is critical to the long-term performance of an asphalt pavement.