Asphalt pavement has become a familiar sight to drivers in the United States. In fact, asphalt covers more than 94 percent of the nation’s 2.65 million miles of paved roads. Here are some more interesting facts about asphalt paving.
Facts About Asphalt Paving
1. Asphalt has an extremely long history.
• The earliest record of asphalt pavement dates to around 625 B.C. An inscription from the reign of the Babylonian king, Nabopolassar, records the use of asphalt in paving the processional avenue.
• Ancient Romans used asphalt to waterproof their aqueducts, baths and reservoirs.
• The Phoenicians used liquid asphalt to caulk the seams of their ships.
• The ancient Egyptians used liquid asphalt in the mummification process.
• American road-builders were relative latecomers to the world of asphalt pavement. Scotland had almost 1,000 miles of asphalt roads by 1825.The first asphalt street was not installed in the U.S. until 1870.
2. Asphalt is an environmentally friendly product.
• Asphalt is 100-percent recyclable.
• More than 80 million tons of asphalt pavements are recycled in the U.S. every year. This is more than the combined weight of all aluminum, glass, plastic and paper recycled annually.
• Asphalt does not dissolve in water, so it does not contaminate water supplies or soil.
• The Environmental Protection Agency does not consider asphalt production plants to be an “industry of concern” for air quality.
• Asphalt is often incorporated into mulch used for seed germination, used to line the tanks at fish hatcheries and as protective barriers for hazardous-waste landfills.
3. Asphalt pavement is the most popular choice for airport runways.
• Asphalt pavement offers the ultra-smooth surface that is needed for safe landings and take-offs.
• Maintenance procedures can be performed quickly and during off-peak hours.
• Asphalt is strong enough to stand up to high volume and even the largest aircraft. You can find asphalt runways at many major airports, including San Francisco International and O’Hare International.
Alpha Paving Industries offers an extensive range of asphalt paving, maintenance and repair services throughout the Texas Hill Country, including the greater Austin area. Whether you need a parking lot striped, a runway sealcoated, cracks and potholes repaired, car stops installed or asphalt paving, our crews have the training and experience to give you outstanding results at competitive rates. Contact us for a free quote by submitting our online form or calling (512) 677-9001.
