By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

Pavement and Fuel Consumption: Is There a Link?

Fuel efficiency in motor vehicles has been a major concern ever since the 1970s and has garnered even more attention in recent years due to the global warming debate. Interested parties include environmentalists, government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, the trucking and transportation industries, and the everyday consumer driving their cars. The focus has mainly been centered on creating better vehicle designs, with more aerodynamic forms and fuel-efficient engines, as well as alternative fuels. But recently a whole new field of environmental science has emerged that is taking a close look at the pavement that vehicles drive on and how it affects fuel efficiency. Their findings so far indicate that pavement does indeed have a significant impact on how much fuel a vehicle uses with far-reaching implications for those concerned with road construction and asphalt maintenance.

Roughness And Responsiveness

Asphalt is by far the most used material for building roadways around the world, accounting for about 90% of the 2.5 million miles of pavement existing in the U.S. and 3.2 million miles in Europe. The scientists and engineers who are studying the relationship between pavement characteristics and fuel consumption are generally measuring the effects of three basic factors:

  • Roughness – The smoothness of the roadway affects the drive train components and suspension system of a vehicle as well as the flexing of the sidewalls of the tires. A rough pavement makes these systems work harder, which in turn causes the engine to work harder to overcome these stresses, using more fuel.
  • Macrotexture – This is a measurement of the pavement surface that has an effect on the friction and resistance between the tires and the road.
  • Structural Responsiveness – This is a measure of how much a pavement material will deform, or give, under the weight of a vehicle passing over it.

All of these factors taken together have a big impact on fuel consumption. And they change over time as the roadway is used and as natural elements such as heat, cold, and water deteriorate the pavement and cause potholes and rough surfaces requiring asphalt repair.

Smoother Is Better And Asphalt Is Best

The research has shown that the smoothness of pavement is the dominant factor in fuel efficiency. The rougher the road, the greater the fuel consumption. And the studies have shown that asphalt is the best material for the construction and maintenance of smooth pavements. A U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) report in 1999 stated: “Concrete roads may produce rougher readings than asphalt roads, even if the concrete road is of very high quality. Features such as joints between sections can contribute to the roughness of concrete highways.”

It’s clear that making a bigger investment in asphalt maintenance on the nation’s highways and byways at the federal, state, and local level will have significant benefits for fuel-efficiency. This would not only help to make for a cleaner environment, but it would save the trucking and transportation industries, as well as the average consumer, a lot of money on fuel costs, which would be good for the economy. It would also mean significant savings on vehicle maintenance and repair.

Adequate asphalt maintenance and repair should be a high priority for the nation’s policymakers. It’s the right thing to do.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • 0 Comments

What Are the Standard Dimensions of a Parking Space?

One of the more important decisions for a commercial space is the design of the parking lot. These lots should be safe to drive in, comfortable for customers to use, and compliant with regulations. However, there are no one-size-fits-all parking space dimensions in Colorado. The spaces vary depending on a number of factors, from curb angle to traffic and more.

First and most importantly, it’s critical to check your local regulations. These vary noticeably from one town or county to the next. Errors here, particularly for handicap accessible parking spaces, can result in hefty fines. Business owners may also face the cost and inconvenience of having to re-plan and re-paint the lot. A little due diligence can save you in the long run.

With that being said, here are some general guidelines to use as a starting point for parking lot planning:

Curb Angle

One critical factor to parking space size is the angle that the space is set to the curb. In most areas of Colorado, this angle will affect the space length and sometimes the width. For example, in Glendale a 45 degree parking stall must be 8’6” wide and project 17’4” from the curb. Increase that to 60 degrees and the stall must be 8’6” wide and project out by 18’10”.

Traffic patterns

A two-way drive aisle clearly needs to be wider than an aisle that only has one way traffic. However, they aren’t necessarily twice as wide. For instance, in Denver a parking aisle is a minimum of 13 feet wide for one way traffic and 20 feet wide for two-way traffic when the spaces are angled at zero degrees. If the spaces are set at 90 degrees, the parking aisle must be a minimum of 23 feet for both one way and two-way traffic.

Type of Parking Lot

In some areas such as Grand County, parking space sizes may vary depending on the kind of parking structure. Typical spaces in open areas may be 10 by 20 feet. Meanwhile, a covered or underground lot can reduce that to 9 by 18 feet.

Type of Vehicle

Certain areas allow smaller commercial parking spaces designated for compact cars only. In Denver, a standard parking space at 60 degrees might be 8.5 feet wide by 17.5 feet long. Meanwhile, a compact space of 60 degrees shaves that down to 7.5 wide by 15.5 long.

Bicycles and Parking Lots

Your business’s parking lot may be required to provide racks for a certain number of bicycles per parking spaces. For instance, in Glendale a parking lot with 50 or more spaces must provide racks for 1 bicycle per 20 spaces, rounding up. In other areas like Lakewood, bicycle spaces are mandated by the business’s square feet.

Handicap Accessibility

Handicap accessible parking spaces are subject to a wide variety of local and national regulations. Again, this is well worth your time to research. In general, these parking stalls are placed next to the front doors or handicap accessible ramp. One important factor to consider during planning is the access aisle. This space (in Glendale, it is 5 feet wide) allows unobstructed access for wheelchair users to enter and leave their vehicles. In many places, two handicap spaces may share the same access aisle.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

THE AVERAGE COST OF PREVENTING AND FIXING POTHOLES IN 2020

Pothole repair can be quite frustrating but it doesn’t have to be. By being proactive and fixing asphalt cracks, you can prevent potholes from occurring in the first place. However, if you need to fix potholes in the area where you live, there are professional options you can use. In this article, we’ll go over the basics behind how potholes are made and what the average cost of preventing and fixing potholes is in 2020.

How Potholes Are Made

Understanding how potholes are formed in the first place is one key to preventing them in the future. They are caused by the expansion and contraction of groundwater that is located underneath the pavement and can begin to form during the winter season thanks to the expansion of this groundwater that freezes as a result of the cooler temperatures. This expansion underneath the pavement causes cracks in the asphalt. Over time, as more cars and trucks pass over this area, the concrete material continues to weaken. This forms a hole that can trap melted water. This melted water can then freeze again and begin a cycle that leads to the expansion of the now formed pothole.

Pothole Fixing Costs

If this cycle has had enough time to repeat over and over and over again, you might find yourself face to face with a major problem, be it on your driveway, sidewalk, or roadway in front of your home. Especially with the winter here and cooler temperatures upon us, that groundwater has had time to freeze over and produce cracks in the pavement. The amount you pay depends heavily on the severity of the pothole which is why it is important to take notice of and fix asphalt cracks early on.

But going back to the matter at hand, the cost to fix pothole in 2020 will typically be around $100 to $350. Additional asphalt sealing costs can range from $200 to $600 and, again, depends on the severity of the pothole. Because fixing a pothole in freezing conditions, it is not for the faint of heart. Your best bet is to hire a trained professional that has experience with a wide range of pothole and asphalt crack issues. In addition to how large the pothole is that you are looking to fix, the quality of the materials, the slope of the pothole, and piping that needs to be taken into consideration and worked around can factor into raising costs.

Taking Preventative Measures

As we mentioned, pothole repair is not easy and you will be dejected after you find out that you’ve incorrectly filled the pothole with the wrong amount of concrete. However, by taking stock of your current driveway’s wellbeing, you can prevent potholes from occurring in the first place by dealing with those initial cracks. Even better, try finding the source of groundwater leakage and prevent it from freezing underneath the pavement. Some other precautionary measures you can take include repairing the crack as soon as possible with infill and overbanding to prevent water from entering the pavement and softening the material. Overbanding uses a thermoplastic material to stop water from entering the roadway surface and is ideal for high traffic areas.

By admin Asphalt Paving • Paving • • • • 0 Comments

How Does Asphalt Paving Work

No matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned construction worker, knowing the proper method of asphalt paving can make or break your ability to be successful in this industry. No matter if you are starting your own company, work for someone else, or if you simply want to learn the basics of asphalt paving, you should know that the method is often the most important part of the job. That said, the following is a short guide on the basics of asphalt construction.

The 7 Areas of Pavement Construction

If you are searching for the basics of pavement construction, they are as follows:

  1. Site prep: Before you are able to begin paving, you must make sure the site is properly prepared. This can involve the replacement of areas that are extremely damaged, milling, applying of a leveling course, and more. Every site is different. However, you need to make sure each site is properly prepared before you can begin construction.
  2. Demolition and removal of old material: Next, you must demolish and remove any materials and debris that may stand to adversely affect your paving efforts. This can provide the use of bobcats, forklifts, large dump trucks, forklifts, heavy machinery, and more. The purpose of this step is to remove the existing surface, so your site can be prepared to receive the new asphalt.
  3. Grading: The purpose of this step is to make sure the area is prepared for the appropriate water drainage necessary to sustain the new pavement over time. Using various tools and technology (most often, laser transit), this step is done to ensure the new pavement will not be greatly damaged by rain, water, and other watery elements.
  4. Base: One of the most important parts of creating new asphalt pavement is to ensure that the sub-base is laid properly. As we know, having a stable foundation is vital to being able to properly build anything. This is because the sub-base serves as a stable support for new pavement. Additionally, the sub-base is also important because it can help protect the new asphalt from the winter elements.
  5. Binder: Next, the binder is added. This consists of a larger aggregate and oil mixture, which makes it exceptionally strong and durable. In short, the binder is considered to be the strength behind all new asphalt surfaces.
  6. Final surface layer: Once you had added the binder, it is now time to install the top layer of your asphalt surface. This is a smaller aggregate mixed with sand and soil. The combination of the previous material mixed with this layer creates the smooth, shiny, jet black asphalt, which most are accustomed to.
  7. Joints/transitions: Lastly, since most surfaces are connected to things such as driveways, parking lots, and roadways, asphalt construction workers must take the time to smooth the transition spaces between the new and older surfaces. This not only makes everything safer, smoother, and sturdier, but it also makes everything appear more uniform and professional.

Overall, there are various methods of asphalt paving. No matter which method you choose, you must be sure that you are completing each step with the utmost precision and professionalism. Otherwise, the new asphalt will become akin to old asphalt and will thus, will need to be redone by a contractor or company that can.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • • 0 Comments

Why Is Drainage Important for Asphalt Pavements?

If you’re planning on building a parking lot or sidewalk, one of the most important things that you need to consider is drainage. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked because it’s not something you can see when you look at a parking lot. Water is the number one culprit in deteriorating asphalt, but with proper planning, you can avoid water damage and deterioration, and ensure the longevity of your site.

Warning Signs of Poor Drainage

If your parking lot has a weak drainage system, it’s pretty evident not too long after your project is complete. If your site has poor drainage after completion, a few of the warning signs you may experience include:

  • Stagnant water pooling in areas, and running down the lot
  • Evidence of rock, sand, or dusty residue in low spots indicated that the water is breaking down the asphalt
  • Water coming through exterior walls and structures

What happens if your site doesn’t include drainage?

Without proper drainage, the longevity of your site and structure will decrease rapidly. Poor drainage can lead to damaged exterior walls, cars, pedestrians, infect local water resources, and penetrate the asphalt’s surface. As standing water penetrates the asphalt, it gets into the subsoil and weakens the base causing cracks. If you want to ensure that your pavement is durable and longlasting, make sure that your asphalt company incorporates appropriate drainage planning into your project.

Drainage Features for Consideration During Planning

When planning proper drainage for your asphalt paving project, there are a few features that you need to take into consideration for your install. Your asphalt company should be able to provide you with an analysis and assessment of your site and present you with the best drainage options for your particular needs. Here are a few areas of consideration that your asphalt company will address during planning.

Slope

If your site is level and prime for pooling water, your planning should include creating a hill. A slight slope (2% grade) in your parking lot or sidewalk allows the water to flow to the outside and not pool in the middle.

Water Direction

Your drainage system should be designed to direct the water away from the exterior walls and create a path to exit appropriately. You need to make sure that water has a place to go that isn’t in your parking lot!

Asphalt Curbing

Including curbing in your planning and design can help you direct water into grassy areas, by providing a tunnel through the curb line. At the end of the curb line, you’ll have installed a drainage point.

Drains & Inlets

Strategically placing drains and inlets around your site gives water an appropriate place to go. Drains and inlets work well with slopes, directing contaminated water.

Pollution Control

Water coming out of parking lots and sidewalks can pick up a variety of pollutants as it flows through your site. Proper drainage planning includes consideration of where the water’s final destination is. It should be in a place that will not infect the water system and disposed of appropriately.

Planning the construction of a parking lot or sidewalk can be a lot of work, but unless you want to deal with numerous maintenance issues like cracks and breaks, make sure that drainage planning is part of your process before your asphalt pavers show up. Not only will it save you a ton of money in upkeep, but it ensures that your investment is built to last and endure for the longterm.