Asphalt Pavement Vs Concrete Pavement - By: Michael A. Whitehead

An age-old question but no easy answers - people often find themselves at crossroads when choosing between concrete and asphalt pavements. There can be many practical and economical reasons influencing the decision. Questions like specific application, rehabilitation or complete rebuilding, durability, cost effectiveness need to be considered so that an informed choice can be made.

While http://www.allroadsurfaces.com.au/>asphalt is known as flexible surface, concrete is often referred to as rigid due to the difference in the construction techniques. Let’s have a look at the reasons why a particular surface is used:

Asphalt Pavements

• Asphalt pavements offer the most cost effective solutions. As per the Director, Anthony Strazzieri of http://www.allroadsurfaces.com.au , “within the same budget, you can pave more roads with asphalt hence it is preferred any day over concrete.”

• Asphalt not only reduces the noise when the vehicles hit the roads but also prevents stone damage.

• The areas where frequent erosion and corrugation happens, asphalt pavements are the best pick to increase drivability and control over the vehicle. Well stabilized sub gradation can provide a solid foundation so that the roads do not damage.

• The downtime for maintenance is very less in asphalt pavements so there is less interruption in traffic.

• The roads are very smooth and are perfect for the hassle free driving.

Concrete Pavements

• The initial cost of laying down a concrete pavement is high though the cost incurred during the whole life cycle is comparable.

• Areas with heavy traffic are better off with concrete pavements because the rigidity of the material does not allow rutting. That’s why loading docks, bus stops, warehouse areas often go for concrete.

• Concrete is not highly dependent on the base soil so it can easily handle the soft areas.

• It can be repaired in patches by reducing the scope. The road can be little rough due to patch work but routine maintenance work can be reduced.

Although there are many advantages and disadvantages associated with both the materials but the factors that tilt the balance towards asphalt are cost effectiveness, ease of maintenance and smoothness. Sometimes, the pavements have to be completely removed when their life span is exhausted but this is rarely a case with the thick asphalt pavements. That’s why Asphalt is often touted as the long term option. Maintenance process is the just the replacement of the top layer.

About the Author

http://www.allroadsurfaces.com.au/ Do you want to know whom the experts are when it comes to maintenance and asphalt repairs? At Allroad Surfaces Pty Ltd. they recommend great quality assurance procedures and finest state of equipments. To know more information, visit our website today!

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