HOT MIX ASPHALT PAVEMENTS
Fast Facts
Pavements constructed of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) are so versatile that they can be used in practically every situation. Consider these examples of the versatility of HMA pavements:
• In parking lots, HMA pavements are durable and economical.
• On interstate highways, HMA pavements stand up to high speeds and heavy trucks.
• In ports and log yards, new types of heavy-duty HMA pavements stand up to static loads.
• On city streets, HMA pavements are cost-effective, durable, safe, and quiet.
• When building a new neighborhood or shopping center, staged construction can be used to provide a durable pavement during construction, and then topped with a pristine layer of asphalt for a beautiful street that will last for many years.
The driving surface of an HMA pavement can be customized to
• eliminate rutting,
• increase skid resistance,
• lower the risk of hydroplaning,
• decrease splash and spray, or
• absorb noise.
Environmental benefits
Asphalt pavement is America's most recycled product. And asphalt pavements have many environmental uses, including:
• liners for reservoirs and fish hatcheries,
• caps for landfills, and
• biking/hiking trails that enhance our access to the outdoors while reducing damage to fragile ecosystems.
New technology
HMA offers state-of-the-art technology. New, specially designed pavement types include Superpave, SMA
(Stone Matrix Asphalt), OGFC (Open Graded Friction Course), high-modulus HMA, dense-graded HMA, HMA with modified binders, and thin-friction lifts.
Easy maintenance
HMA pavements are easy to preserve and maintain because the top layer can be milled off for recycling, then replaced with a new, durable pavement. On commuter routes, all the work can be done overnight, so that most motorists are not inconvenienced by construction delays.
