If you need to install an asphalt road for your business, it is important to understand how the commercial paving process works before you start a big paving job with a commercial paving process.
Step #1: Demolition
Usually, with commercial paving jobs, something that is already in place, be it previous concrete or asphalt, must be removed. For the demolition process, heavy machinery will be used to break up and remove the previous structure. Depending on the material, it may be recycled.
Step #2: Grading & Slopping the Surface
Next, the contractors will need to prepare the surface. They will have to grade the ground so that water will run off in the appropriate direction when your asphalt is installed. Getting the water drainage right is crucial because your new asphalt road will experience heaving, potholes, and cracks without the right water drainage.
Step #3: Build the Subbase
Third, the contractors are going to build the subbase. The subbase is the most important layer. It acts as a frost barrier and provides a surface to support the asphalt. The subbase has to be adequately compacted to provide the needed stability for the asphalt.
Step #4: Proof Roll
Fourth, high-quality commercial contractors will then proof roll. Proof roll involves driving a loaded dump truck over the entire surface and ensuring that the sub-base doesn't flex more than it should. If it does, more work will need to be done on the subbase.
Both undercutting and geo-gridding can be done to improve the subbase before the asphalt is put down.
Step #5: Build Binder Layer
Fifth, the binder layer is built. The binder layer is made to be strong and durable. It is usually made out of an aggregate mixture with oil added to create more stability.
Step #6: Put Down Asphalt
Now that the subbase and binder layer is in place, it is time to put down the asphalt surface. Different types of asphalt mixtures can be used; however, the mixture used depends on environmental factors and the year when the asphalt is put in place.
Step #7: Transitions
Finally, once the asphalt is in place, transitions and butt joints are put in place. These structures will help connect the asphalt road to existing structures, such as roadways or parking lots. Transitions will help ensure that one can drive off the driveway and onto the city road smoothly.
Building a new asphalt commercial roadway requires multiple steps. The time required to put in a new one will depend on the current structure to be demolished and the road's size. Contact a commercial paving service for more information.