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What are Different Types of Asphalt?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Asphalt is most well known as a road covering more technically termed asphalt concrete, but there are a few different forms in which the substance may appear. It is a naturally occurring material present in crude oil and in natural deposits, notably around certain bodies of water and in oil sands. This substance is found in either liquid or semi-solid form in nature and is characterized by its high viscosity and its sticky, black appearance. It consists almost exclusively of bitumen, a substance composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The major types used in construction are rolled and mastic.

Rolled asphalt is the variety with which most people are probably familiar, as it makes up about 80% of that used in the United States. It is made of aggregate, or solid materials such as sand, gravel, or recycled concrete, with an asphalt binder. This type is used to make roads and other surfaces, such as parking lots, by being applied in layers and compacted. Different types are distinguished according to the process used to bind the aggregate with the asphalt.

Rolled asphalt is made from different solid materials such as sand, gravel, or recycled concrete, with an asphalt binder.
Rolled asphalt is made from different solid materials such as sand, gravel, or recycled concrete, with an asphalt binder.

Hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) is produced at 320°F (160°C). This high temperature serves to decrease viscosity and moisture during the manufacturing process, resulting in a very durable material. HMAC is most commonly used for high-traffic areas, such as busy highways and airports.

Warm mix asphalt concrete (WAM or WMA) reduces the temperature required for manufacture by adding emulsions, waxes, or zeolites. This process benefits both the environment and the workers, as it results in less fossil fuel consumption and reduced emission of fumes. In cold mix asphalt concrete, the asphalt is emulsified in soapy water before mixing it with the aggregate, eliminating the need for high temperatures altogether. However, the resulting material is not nearly as durable as HMAC or WAM, and it is typically used for low traffic areas or to patch damaged HMAC.

Sand is a common component in rolled asphalt.
Sand is a common component in rolled asphalt.

Cut-back asphalt concrete has been illegal in the United states since the 1970s, but many other countries around the world still use it. This type of concrete is the least environmentally friendly option, resulting in significantly more air pollution than the other forms. It is made by dissolving the binder in kerosene before mixing it with the aggregate, reducing viscosity while the concrete is layered and compacted. The lighter kerosene later evaporates, leaving a hardened surface.

The semi-solid form of asphalt, or rolled asphalt, is favored for paving roads in the US.
The semi-solid form of asphalt, or rolled asphalt, is favored for paving roads in the US.

Mastic asphalt, also called sheet asphalt has a lower bitumen content than the rolled forms. It is used for some roads and footpaths, but also in roofing and flooring. Stone mastic asphalt (SMA), another variety, is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative. Its benefits include an anti-skid property and the absence of air pockets, but if laid improperly, it may cause slippery road conditions.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AboutMechanics editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AboutMechanics editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon976199

I have been quoted jobs using either 5E3 or36A. What is the difference and which is highest quality?

anon357497

Excuse me. About my general information I heard there are seven grades of asphalts (bitumen) and each grades have different use. Could you please tell me what are the uses for all these grades?

Grade 1: 50 to 60; Grade 2: 60 to 70; Grade 3: 70 to 85; Grade 4: 85 to 100; Grade 5: 100 to 120; Grade 6: 120 to 150; Grade 7: 150 to 200.

anon309698

What is the difference between hot asphalt and cold asphalt? Please explain this for me.

anon202404

I have noticed that there is a very smooth and a very rough asphalt. The rough asphalt is just as new as the smooth but it emits a lot more noise and vibrations. I would like to know if this is a different type of asphalt and which one it is.

anon119140

they should have used a mix 10 asphalt. If you want to stop traffic screwing up the carpark you could spread a thin layer of sand on it then sweep it around. This will make the cars turn on the sand instead of of the asphalt. After a few months sweep the sand off. do not waterblast it off. it will blow out the small stones.

anon89546

Are there different asphalt pavings for roadways and parking lots? I had a contractor pave our parking lot with a large aggregate asphalt paving and it is not holding up. It seams every time a vehicle turns on it is ravels and the large aggregate comes out leaving pot holes. Any comments or suggestions.

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    • Rolled asphalt is made from different solid materials such as sand, gravel, or recycled concrete, with an asphalt binder.
      By: forelle66
      Rolled asphalt is made from different solid materials such as sand, gravel, or recycled concrete, with an asphalt binder.
    • Sand is a common component in rolled asphalt.
      By: dule964
      Sand is a common component in rolled asphalt.
    • The semi-solid form of asphalt, or rolled asphalt, is favored for paving roads in the US.
      By: Brilt
      The semi-solid form of asphalt, or rolled asphalt, is favored for paving roads in the US.
    • Porous asphalt paving is ideal for creating parking lots.
      By: Marc Xavier
      Porous asphalt paving is ideal for creating parking lots.
    • Mastic asphalt, which can be used to pave roads, is virtually waterproof.
      By: Nicola_Del_Mutolo
      Mastic asphalt, which can be used to pave roads, is virtually waterproof.