Every road construction project has different requirements based on the level of traffic it’s meant to address and the type of road it will support. Explore the different types of road construction materials that may be right for your next project and what to look for when working with contractors or clients.
Asphalt is a popular material for road construction because it provides a smooth, practical surface at a relatively affordable price. It can withstand many temperature extremes and is easy to repair in the event of cracks. Because of this, it’s a popular material for roads at all levels of use, from busy interstates to rural roads with frequent farm equipment usage.
While asphalt may require more frequent repairs than other types of paving materials, it is easier to work with and drive on for extended periods than its counterparts. As a result, it’s an ideal material for keeping roadways smooth and passable, no matter what type of traffic may be using them.
Concrete is a durable material, especially on roads with higher traffic volume or those that need to accommodate heavier vehicles like oversized tractor-trailers or construction equipment. It’s also an ideal base material for road construction because it’s known for its longevity under the right conditions.
However, concrete has its limitations. It tends to buckle and break in high temperatures because it’s less ductile.
Furthermore, because concrete is vulnerable to deterioration from salt, it’s more likely to break down with regular exposure to road salt in colder climates. While the common preconception is that it lasts longer than asphalt, it’s not always the best choice for heavily used roads or roadways that are exposed to higher temperatures.
Limestone gravel and its closely related aggregates are among the most popular materials for driveways, side streets, and back roads because it’s relatively durable and requires minimal maintenance. It also has better drainage capabilities and can handle heavier loads, from small cars to the largest tractor-trailers.
However, while limestone is a fraction of the cost per square foot of other types of materials, it does have drawbacks. Limestone gravel of any size is more likely to cause cracked windshields for vehicles.
There has been extensive discussion about using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and other reused materials as environmental impact has come into the spotlight. However, aside from being relatively trendy, there are other benefits to using RAP for your road construction project.
For example, recycled road material is more affordable than virgin asphalt while being just as durable. Using recycled asphalt also reduces waste and conserve natural resources for a less severe environmental impact, both on your construction site and beyond.
When it comes to climate, not all materials are created equal. For example, certain types of asphalt can crack in wet or cold conditions, while concrete can outright buckle when the mercury creeps higher.
Working with your paving material provider to find the best surface material for your specific climate can go a long way in preventing additional expensive maintenance in the months or years to come.
The volume and types of traffic your road, driveway, or parking lot is supposed to handle can be a factor in the types of materials you use for your next project. Each type of material has a different bearing capacity and can handle certain amounts of tonnage, but they can’t all safely bear the same loads.
Certain materials are better than others at handling larger traffic volumes. Asphalt, gravel, and concrete all have different weight limits that could impact the type of material that is best suited for your road construction project. While some may be able to handle heavier loads such as filled semi trucks, others may crack under the pressure of dozens of tons of weight with repeated exposure.
Some types of road bases and other paving materials are easier on the environment than others. If your project is in an environmentally sensitive area or has environmental impacts among its top considerations, RAP may be the best option.
However, other options for road materials are under constant development. For example, other types of recycled materials may ultimately become more practical to use than virgin asphalt, while some surfaces are more permeable than others—and thus more accommodating to rainwater.
While some road surfaces may have fewer upfront costs, those same surfaces could end up costing more to repair over time. For example, here are some common price points for various types of paving materials:
Chances are, there is a supplier of road base materials in your area who is ready to work with you. At Stoneco, we provide gravel, asphalt materials, and rip rap of all sizes within southern Michigan so you can ensure you have a local product that meets the exact standards of any agency or contractor you work for—no matter the scope of the project.
The experts at Stoneco are always ready to provide you with the road base materials you need, no matter if you’re repaving a commercial driveway or creating a brand new public access road. Request a quote from our experts today to start your project with quality materials.