One of the most important factors in determining the functionality and service life of asphalt pavement is compaction—perhaps more so than the mixture itself. Optimized compaction improves asphalt durability and directly impacts how it will withstand external pressures over time.
Improper compaction results in decreased stiffness, accelerated aging, increased rutting, raveling, and susceptibility to moisture damage. This leads to premature pavement distress and much higher repair costs.
As a property manager, it’s vital to understand the importance of properly installed asphalt and how a job well done will affect your ROI.
Achieving the Right Compaction
Compaction is the process used by industry professionals to reduce the volume of asphalt material through compression. For hot mix asphalt (HMA), compaction locks the aggregate particles together and provides stability by compacting them into a tighter space. This reduces the air void content and increases the density of the mix; the end product is a more robust, stable pavement surface—one that will better withstand elemental and traffic pressure over its lifespan.
High-quality compaction is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your asphalt investment.
A&A Paving has been servicing in Chicagoland for over 60 years. Our team of experts are not only industry leaders in the world of asphalt paving, but we are well-versed in the conditions unique to the area.
Proper compaction is critical in our area because of the heavy truck traffic we experience on our roadways. A minimum of 4 inches of asphalt AFTER compaction is necessary to ensure the pavement holds up for years to come. Poor compaction allows air and water to penetrate through the voids. This causes the material to oxidize from the air at an accelerated rate, making it brittle and vulnerable to early cracking. Water may also enter through these voids and strip the asphalt binder from the aggregate.
Some benefits of properly compacted HMA include:
- reduced permeability
- increased durability and the ability to withstand temperatures fluctuations
- material longevity
- a uniformed and aesthetic roadway surface
Property managers frequently call us out to correct botched-up paving projects because of improper compaction.
We don’t want this to happen to you!
Work With Industry Leaders
Whether we’re redoing a previous paving job or installing new asphalt, our team gets it right the first time. We continually receive 5-star reviews because we provide award-winning service and clear communication.
All our projects are completed by the best and most experienced paving crews in the Chicago area. We dedicate ourselves to providing solutions to preserve the life of your pavement and ensure you get a high return on your investment.
Don’t wait—call us today at 630-529-2500 or click here to receive your free quote!
