When people look at the robust paved surfaces that Chicago asphalt contractors create, they often think that they’re indestructible and capable of handling any weight placed atop them. While it’s true that asphalt is one of the most durable materials around for parking lots, driveways, loading docks and various applications in industrial settings, the material still needs a strong foundation to sit on.
That’s where the subgrade comes in. Let’s look at why asphalt companies use subgrade and take special care in preparing it properly.
What is Asphalt Subgrade?
Before local asphalt contractors do any paving, they pay attention to the subgrade. Simply put, the subgrade is where the asphalt paving sits. Think of it as your pavement’s foundation. Just like a building needs a foundation to stay stable, pavement needs one to provide strength, resilience and long-lasting durability.
Subgrade preparation is a crucial process that asphalt companies can’t afford to ignore. It involves creating a stable base for whatever paved surface sits on top, and what they do to prepare the subgrade depends on the needs of the pavement and the site’s condition.
Why is Proper Subgrade Preparation So Important to Chicago Contractors?
You wouldn’t build a home or office building on bare soil! The same principles apply to parking lots, roads and more. Asphalt is a robust material, but it’s not immune to buckling, shifting and other issues. Just look at poorly installed paving structures, and you’ll see the many problems the material can face.
Subgrade preparation by industrial and commercial asphalt contractors helps mitigate those issues. Soil conditions can vary dramatically from one place to the next. Even on the same property, soil can be firm and compact in one area but soft in another. Asphalt contractors in Chicago ensure the subgrade is suitable across the entire paved surface, making it far more likely to hold up through decades of use and weather exposure.
Does Subgrade Preparation from Asphalt Contractors Affect Pavement’s Load-Bearing Capacity?
Many factors will affect how much weight asphalt paving will hold. When you work with asphalt contractors in Chicago, they’ll create surfaces that meet your needs. You might need thicker asphalt and a more stable subgrade for industrial properties that support heavy transport trucks compared to a simple commercial parking lot.
Either way, the subgrade affects the pavement’s load-bearing capabilities. The subgrade needs proper preparation by commercial asphalt contractors to accommodate traffic and avoid premature structural failure.
How Do Contractors Prepare the Subgrade for Stability and Drainage?
Another important role the subgrade plays is to provide stability and uniformity. Raw soil can have peaks and valleys. Paving over an unprepared subgrade could lead to differential settling and heaving, resulting in parts of your pavement falling and buckling!
Chicago asphalt contractors also do subgrade prep to achieve the right elevation and slope for drainage. Water can present many problems for your asphalt surfaces, so efficient drainage is paramount.
What Do Industrial and Commercial Asphalt Contractors Do to Prepare the Subgrade?
Asphalt companies typically begin all projects with soil evaluation and testing. Asphalt contractors need to know how much moisture soil has, how it compacts and more. Their findings during this stage will guide the subgrade preparation process moving forward.
If necessary, asphalt contractors in Chicago will remove any unusable materials. That includes organic matter, soft topsoil and debris that could present structural integrity issues. Then, they’ll add stabilization to improve the subgrade’s load-bearing capacity. Typically, stabilization material includes aggregate and geosynthetic materials that work together to create that much-needed foundation.
Next, asphalt contractors will move on to grading and compaction. They compact the subgrade to remove air and improve stability. Grading is a process that involves moving soil to achieve the slope for drainage. After further testing to ensure the subgrade can support the asphalt above, local asphalt contractors can move to the project’s next phase.
If you want a properly prepared subgrade and pavement that lasts decades, turn to Blackhawk Paving & Construction. We’re one of the most trusted Chicago asphalt contractors, and we’ve completed countless projects for commercial and industrial property owners throughout the Chicago area. We’re a family-owned and -operated company and have been in business for nearly five decades!
We believe in providing high-quality workmanship at competitive prices while minimizing disruptions to your business. It’s our goal to exceed your expectations while meeting your needs, no matter how difficult your project may seem. You can turn to Blackhawk for asphalt paving, repair, sealcoating, milling and grinding. We also do concrete flatwork and curbing, site grading, hot crack sealing, excavation, sewer repair, parking lot striping and more. Let’s discuss your next project, and let us be your local asphalt contractors! Call us at (708) 787-8765 today for a free job quote. You can also reach us via email at info@blackhawkpaving.com or through our online contact form.
