CGA03

Why in the world do construction companies put asphalt over concrete?? I can't stand asphalt. They are doing an over-lay of that on a local road here in IL. First they cut out all of the holes and patched them with new concrete, a good 3x8 sections. The road was perfect and didn't need anything else, but no, they have to lay asphalt over it now. Cut the curbs and will lay it in the next day or so. What a waste of money and will wear out in 5yrs.

Rant off.

chaikwa

Asphalt doesn't 'wear out' really. It breaks up if it doesn't have a proper base under it. Concrete really isn't a proper base for it, but it seems a lot of places lay it over concrete anyhow. Asphalt will 'bend' to a certain degree, allowing for expansion and contraction with the weather and frost. It's also a lot more durable in regards to de-icing substances than concrete. It's also a LOT cheaper to make and install.

annabelle

Actually, in new construction of highway work you will see concrete laid over an asphalt base. However, in a patch situation they are most likely trying to stabilize the base with a concrete material( may even be bridging over bad sub grade) and then laying the asphalt as it is more economical and much quicker to set up in order to put the highway back into operation after a "patch" job. Concrete is not only more expensive material wise, but takes more equipment and expertiseto lay.

SIXSLUG

The concrete is laid to span poor subgrade material as stated.

Asphalt can be ground up and re laid as new by a recycler machine. Its a renewable material that is as good as the original and more economical than tearing it up, haulling off, and repairing the subgrade every five years.

Fronty Owner

for the last few years, the county here has been dumping cold mix in the pot holes. They gave up on that earlier this year and are just dumping crusher dust.

CGA03

As long as its "reused" I guess it could be cheaper, but if it was new I don't know with oil $83 a barrel. You would think they would have just patched it and been done with it. Seems ok for a few years then it starts to wear like an old 2-track. Then with all of the salt they pour it just eats it up as well as concrete. To each there own.

annabelle

Because they did nothing to the subgrade, the cold mix just eventuality broke up anyway and lost it's binding attributes. Not as much oil involved in asphalt any more.........environuts you know!

annabelle

The used asphalt is usually used as subgrade material.......not the finished product.

Redleg

In my county, they're just throwing a dead animal in the pothole.

Scotty

Takes some places longer then others to catch on. Thats been the way of the roads up here for centuries.
An Elk can fill at least two of our potholes up here.

SIXSLUG

We should be throwing the potheads in the potholes!

We get the crushed concrete for subgrade around here. The asphalt is ground up and re heated with fresh oil and re used to pave is what my guy told me.

knc77

My guess - patched concrete has the potential for water to enter the seam. During the freeze thaw cycle seen in northern states, this will quickly create a new pot hole. Covering with asphalt creates a seal over the concrete and should keep the road from needing to be completely torn out and re-done.

I am by no means an expert, this is just my observation over the years.

15 Digger

Here they use asphalt because to repave they use a milling machine with trucks to quickly cut a few inches deep then repave over it. Alot can be done in short time. They also recycle some of the asphalt into the new mix.

annabelle

They won't use "fresh oil" around here. It is a water based imulsion to meet enviro. specs.........can't contaminate you know.