ASPHALT……………
What is it? Asphalt is a mixture of about 95% aggregate (stone, gravel, sand) and 5% asphalt cement (liquid binder derived from crude oil refining.)
How is it made?
Rock, sand and asphalt binder are mixed together at an asphalt plant according to a specified mix design (kind of like a recipe for cooking)
History-
The Romans used asphalt to seal baths, reservoirs and aqueducts. Moses's basket and Noah's Ark were thought to have been waterproofed by and asphalt material.
Uses-
· Transportation- highways, airport runways, transit system rail beds
· Recreational- running tracks, playgrounds, racetracks, tennis courts
· Residential- driveways, subdivision roads
· Agricultural- cattle feed lots, poultry house floors, barn floors
Recycled Material-
Asphalt is the most recycled material in America. More than 73 million tons of asphalt pavement material is recycled each year. Recycling asphalt roads saves American taxpayers an estimated $300 million each year!
Use the following link to tour an asphalt plant www.beyondroads.com