Asphalt is an excellent choice for Chicagoland pavements. It is economical, able to withstand cold weather, and visually appealing. With the right care, an asphalt pavement can last for 20 years or more. However, the longevity of an asphalt pavement is also highly dependent on the quality of its installation. One of the most critical factors affecting the longevity of asphalt paving is proper compaction.
Why Is Compaction Critical to the Longevity of Asphalt Paving?
The short answer is that compaction increases density by removing air and empty spaces. A slightly longer answer is that compaction forces particles to knit together to enhance strength and stability. Compaction also enhances the pavement’s ability to resist water infiltration. Without proper compaction, the pavement can be more susceptible to potholes, subsidence, rutting, and cracking. The pavement will deteriorate at an accelerated rate, so it will require repairs sooner. Some of these repairs can be quite costly, and they can be extremely frequent. It is also possible that you will need to have your asphalt paving company remove and replace your pavement within a short time. Furthermore, improper compaction can leave the surface uneven and unattractive.
What Do Contractors Compact on Asphalt Paving in Chicago?
Compaction will depend on the precise design of your paving project. For example, when constructing a new pavement, your paving contractor will compact the subgrade and the asphalt courses. If the design calls for an aggregate base, your contractor will compact that as well. However, when installing an asphalt pavement overlay, a paving contractor in Chicago will virtually always compact only the asphalt courses.
What Might Prevent the Proper Compaction of Paving?
Although compaction issues could be the result of carelessness or incompetence, that is seldom the case. Typically, the rolling operation, the temperature, and the lift thickness are critical factors for proper compaction. Sometimes, the problem is related to a single factor, but it is more likely to involve more than one of the following factors.
1. Asphalt Temperature: A paving contractor must ensure that truckloads of asphalt do not cool too much before workers unload them. Hot mix asphalt typically has a temperature of at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit when it arrives at the site. Once workers place the asphalt, they need to work it and compact it before its temperature drops below 185 degrees. Depending on the ground temperature, workers may have less than 20 minutes to go from placement to compaction.
2. Ground Temperature: If the ground is cold, it will steal heat from the asphalt mix. When installing asphalt paving in Chicago, contractors cannot assume that the ground temperature will equal the ambient temperature. Usually, they are close, but they can be significantly different early in the morning following an exceptionally cold night. The ground temperature must be a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper compaction.
3. Lift Thickness: A lift is a layer or course of hot mix asphalt. When lifts are thinner, the asphalt will lose its heat faster. If contractors are installing an asphalt pavement overlay, they may want the ground temperature to be closer to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Rolling Design and Execution: Contractors must choose the best rolling machine for each specific job. The contractor must plan the rolling pattern to avoid unnecessary movement of the rollers or excessive passes. The roller operator must have the skills and experience to execute the rolling pattern.
When you need asphalt paving in Chicago, contact Black Hawk Paving for exceptional workmanship. We also offer asphalt repairs, asphalt milling, asphalt pavement overlays, asphalt crack repairs, sealcoating, parking lot striping, and hot crack sealing. In addition, we offer concrete flatwork, car stops, site grading, pavement markings, excavations, sewer repair, and traffic signage. We serve national chains as well as local commercial and industrial clients. Our employees are highly skilled professionals, our reputation is stellar, and our references are impeccable. You can easily request a free quote by emailing Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, calling either 708-479-0400 or 847-240-2560, or submitting the online form.
