How Does Asphalt Impact Drivability?

May 8, 2019
Smooth road surfaces improve drivability. What does that mean exactly? Well, the condition of the roads impacts your commute. When they are in great working order drivers will experience better fuel consumption and vehicle performance. Americans drive about three trillion miles per year and consume 175 billion gallons of gas to cover that distance. Smoother road conditions would save about seven billion gallons every year. Putting it in another perspective, it’s the equivalent of removing ten million vehicles off the road. What helps improve drivability? Asphalt.

ASPHALT’S IMPACT ON DRIVABILITY

BETTER FOR FUEL CONSUMPTION

Smoother driving surfaces are better for the fuel economy. Without the rigidity from broken, loose gravel tires can rotate more efficiently. This action reduces the energy needed from the engine to propel forward or for the excess use of the breaks because a driver must slow down to avoid a pothole. The average mileage per person is around 12,000 annually. Getting from point A to point B requires gasoline. Fuel consumption is something everyone is working hard to stabilize. Automakers are turning their attention towards better engine designs while transportation agencies are increasing their efforts to better the asphalt used to construct roads. Experts are trying to find ways to improve rolling-resistance, pavement stiffness, and smoothness to help drivers use less gas.

DOES LESS DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE

Damaged roads are a breading ground for accidents from loose gravel, cracks, or potholes. Loose gravel impedes tire traction. Spinning wheels can cause a car to tailspin. Dry gravel can get swept up in the underside of the vehicle causing damage. Cracks and potholes exhibit similar behavioral traits. The sharp edges when the material has collapsed put acute pressure on tires. If a tire pops, the wheel could get bent. The suspension and alignment could be compromised because a pothole on a major intersection wasn’t fixed. Building a road requires the use of a durable material that will withstand all weather conditions and lay down smoothly. Asphalt encompasses both traits and is effective.

AT ROADBUILDERS, WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF ASPHALT REPAIR SERVICES FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.

ASPHALT REPAIR SERVICES

SUPPORTS THE ECONOMY

The U.S. has 2.5 million miles of paved roads. Many of these are major highways and interstates. These roads support the backbone of our economy — the trucking industry. So much of our daily lives are backed by tractor-trailers delivering goods. Everything from medical supplies to clean drinking water is available to us because of the deliveries made by truckers. It’s estimated that if the trucking industry were to shut down completely, we would run out of water, fuel, food, and cash within a month. The ability of these trucks to move from destination to destination requires a smooth road surface that can support the weight. If lesser, unstable materials were used to construct America’s interstate there would be severe delays in getting necessary medications, the treatment to clean our water, and fuel to support our own commutes. Without the ability to drive, many Americans wouldn’t get to work to support themselves.

COSTS LESS TO MAINTAIN

It doesn’t just cost less to maintain asphalt, but it costs less to install. Asphalt is a flexible material that cures quickly. Installation is quicker than other building materials. Some cities are already taking advantage of the fast setting time and employing workers to install or maintain roads at night. It cuts down on traffic delays and ensures drivers can use the road sooner than if it had been built with concrete. Asphalt is recyclable and easy to repair. Constant exposure to Mother Nature reduces the integrity of any construction product. But, asphalt has more options for repairs that don’t require the entire road to be ripped out and replaced. Asphalt repair services include seal coating, crack filling, and resurfacing. All of which can be completed swiftly and without much disruption to the flow of traffic. It’s also recyclable making it a better choice for the environment.

WHAT ABOUT CONCRETE?

At Roadbuilders, we’ve been installing asphalt, gravel, and concrete roads, parking lots and driveways for decades. We believe each one has characteristics and attributes that are beneficial. But, when it comes to building roads, you couldn’t find a better choice than asphalt. Much of the decision comes down to composition. Concrete is made from three different components: aggregate, cement, and water. Cement is the binding agent in the scenario. When dry it’s powdery, and once the water is added, it adheres the aggregate together. It’s a strong, durable material installed in slabs. It can withstand heat and is resistant to cracking. The issue is once there are damages you would need to remove and replace. Curing takes days meaning roads, and parking lots would be out of service for that time. It’s not hard to see the benefits of concrete vs. asphalt.

BUILD SMOOTHER ROADS WITH ASPHALT

Asphalt is a durable material with high-performance properties. Ensuring its longevity begins with a proper structure and stable foundation. It’s not just a matter of pouring the mixture and smoothing. You want to work with an asphalt paving company in Nashville with experience in engineering roads, parking lots, and driveways. For more information about our asphalt paving services contact RoadBuilders.

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