Asphalt/Tarmac

Traditionally, roadways were gravel tracks winding through forests, bush, or grasslands. Modern-day roads, however, are now thankfully made with asphalt, a material in which Pave Consult specializes.

Asphalt Installation

These primitive paths were dusty in dry conditions and often became impassable during rain. With the advent of wheeled traffic, these early roadways became deeply rutted as vehicle suspensions bounced over uneven surfaces.

tarmac installation

Until the early twentieth century, stone pavers and flagstones, or kiln-fired brick, were used to pave piazzas and roadways (look to towns and cities, and the Roman roads) were laid at great expense.

With the advent of crude oil, a Scotsman named MacAdam repurposed the thick, viscous distillate left from the distillation of petroleum and higher oils. This “tar” was mixed with fine stone and laid over gravel roads, giving rise to the term “tarmac,” also known as asphalt. This layer provided a “wearing layer” that protected the gravel beneath from rain and rutting, unlike block paving, which serves as both a structural layer and a wearing layer.

asphalt installation

Installation is relatively quick: graded G5 aggregate is bound with Bitumen and laid over a properly prepared sub-base, finished with a “seal-coat.” At Pave Consult, we prioritise technical considerations such as surface durability, grip and braking, tyre wear, traffic noise reduction, and the ability to withstand heavy traffic loads.

 

Maintenance is straightforward, as asphalt can be re-screeded up to three times with a seal-coat. However, being viscous, asphalt will eventually conform to the underlying surface pattern if laid over existing paving and may experience natural expansion, contraction, and some seasonal cracking.

Additionally, over time, edges can degrade, and waves may appear from the torque of heavy vehicles, especially on slopes and corners, potentially leading to potholes. These issues often result from inadequate sub-base preparation and excessive load—factors we see affecting our national roads, where doubling axle weight can amplify point loading by sixteen times.

asphalt installation

At Pave Consult, we uphold impeccable standards to ensure your paving work is durable and properly supported. Contact Us today for expert paving solutions that are built to last.

Contact Us

Johannesburg, Gauteng

+27 (0) 82 606 1228

info@paveconsult.co.za

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