Asphalt Paving FactsTuesday, June 16, 2015
It’s that time of the year again when asphalt paving augers are being used on highways across America. As much as annual construction work puts fear and contempt into the hearts of drivers everywhere, it’s really not the asphalt that’s entirely to blame for the matter. In fact, roadway asphalt has several benefits associated with it. Following are some facts about asphalt paving that you may or may not know. And a few of them will probably surprise you.
Asphalt Paving Fact #1: Asphalt is an economical material for roadways. Therefore, all that paving work is not causing your taxes to go up as much as you might think. The website AsphaltFacts.com points out, “One of the most cost-effective ways to rehabilitate a worn-out concrete highway is to rubblize it, then overlay it with asphalt.” The site adds to this fact that forty-year studies have shown asphalt to be more economical than concrete, and asphalt can last upwards of 20 years with minimal repair require.
Asphalt Paving Fact #2: Asphalt paving is good for the economy. The National Asphalt Pavement Association estimates that “For each $1 billion of federal spending invested in highway construction nationwide, nearly 28,000 jobs are supported.” That statistic comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s 2012 report titled “Employment Impacts of Highway Infrastructure Investment.” What’s more, the association stresses that the nation’s transportation network must be properly maintained with asphalt in order for it to support the economic activity of which it is capable.
Asphalt Paving Fact #3: Asphalt cuts road construction time. That’s right. Although it might seem as though road work is eternal, the use of asphalt paving actually reduces the amount of traffic delays you’ll encounter compared to concrete.
Asphalt Paving Fact #4: Asphalt is an environmentally friendly material. Because it can be recycled, asphalt does not have the same impact on the environment that concrete does. AsphaltFacts.com hammers home this point with this eye-opening fact: “Asphalt is 100% renewable, but reclaimed concrete is just porous rock.” What’s more, “Currently, the asphalt pavement industry reclaims more than 99 percent of asphalt pavement removed from projects for reuse in future projects,” the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s 2nd Annual Asphalt Pavement Industry Survey determined.
Asphalt Paving Fact #5: The use of asphalt saves taxpayers money, and substantially so, thanks to its sustainability (see Fact #4). “American taxpayers save over $300 million per year from recycling asphalt,” the Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association estimates. Asphalt
Paving Fact #6: Asphalt saves you money on fuel. Wolf Paving figures the fuel consumption savings associated with smooth pavement like that which asphalt offers amounts to the tune of “4.5 to 5 percent as compared to fuel consumption on rough pavement.” For an average 12-gallon fuel tank that adds up to between 0.5 and 0.6 gallons saved for every fill-up.
The next time you encounter an asphalt paving auger on the roadway, don’t be too quick to curse it. The inconvenience you are contending with is a small price to pay for all the benefits associated with its presence. The earth, your wallet, and the national economy will all thank you in the long run for your patience.
Falcon provides the asphalt paving market with the augers and screws required, including asphalt hoppers, screeds and spreading augers.
