The main road near my house is getting repaved, and they’ve just laid brand new road! But it was so quick, we can drive on it the next day (there is a 3 tonne weight limit though). I was under the impression hot mix took about a week to cure and 6-12 months to get to full strength.
How do they do it?
In: 3
Quite a few factors:
**Mix Composition:** The composition of the asphalt mix can be altered to make it cure faster. By using a specific blend of aggregates and binders, they can create a mix that hardens quickly without compromising its durability.
**WMA:** Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is a type of asphalt that is produced and placed at lower temperatures than traditional hot mix asphalt. This not only reduces the curing time but also lowers energy consumption and emissions during production. WMA cures faster because it cools down more quickly than hot mix asphalt.
**Weather:** The curing process can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind. On warmer days with low humidity, the asphalt tends to cure faster. Companies may schedule their paving projects during times of the year with favorable weather conditions to speed up the curing process.
**Compaction:** Proper compaction of the asphalt is crucial for its strength and durability. By using appropriate compaction techniques and equipment, companies can ensure that the asphalt reaches an adequate level of compaction in a shorter time, allowing the road to be opened for traffic sooner.
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