Key Takeaways:
- Dump trucks are large vehicles that have an open-bed design. They transport large amounts of asphalt from one location to another.
- Asphalt requires compaction after it has been laid down. Heavy-duty machinery applies enough pressure to compress the asphalt into a solid state.
- A screed is a flat bar to smooth and level the asphalt.
- A reclaimer is a milling machine that grinds up asphalt and produces a hot mix for the asphalt paving project.
Asphalt paving creates a smooth and flexible surface for roadways, parking lots, and other areas. It maintains roads and provides a safe surface for drivers and pedestrians.
An asphalt paving contractor uses various equipment to complete this process effectively. Let’s discuss some asphalt equipment pieces and their purposes to give you a better idea.
The Different Kinds of Asphalt Paving Equipment
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are large vehicles that have an open-bed design. They transport large amounts of asphalt from one location to another. Different kinds of dump trucks include:
- Standard dump trucks are the most common type of dump trucks. They have a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 16,000 pounds or less.
- Articulated dump trucks are more significant than standard dump trucks, with a GVW of 26,000 pounds or more. They haul heavy loads of asphalt over long distances.
- Transfer dump trucks are specialized dump trucks that transfer asphalt from one location to another without having to unload it.
- Belly dump trucks have a large hopper in the center of the truck that can be raised or lowered. They dump asphalt from above, which makes them ideal for paving projects.
- Side dump trucks have a dumping mechanism on the side of the truck. They haul asphalt on construction sites with limited space to maneuver.
Paving Machines
Paving machines spread and level asphalt surfaces. An asphalt contractor can use different machines, including a track and wheeled paver.
A track paver is a machine that lays asphalt by pushing it from the back. It has a large hopper in the front of the machine that holds the asphalt. The machine then spreads the asphalt as it moves forward.
A wheeled paver is similar to a track paver. However, instead of being pulled, it is pushed from the side. It is often used on smaller projects where a track paver cannot fit.
Compaction Equipment
Asphalt requires compaction after it has been laid down. Heavy-duty machinery applies enough pressure to compress the asphalt into a solid state.
There are many different types of compaction equipment. Still, an asphalt contractor usually uses a plate compactor, a large machine with a metal plate on the bottom that vibrates. Larger projects can also use this machine.
Sweepers
A sweeper is used to clean up the asphalt surface before paving. There are two main types of sweepers: mechanical sweepers, which use brushes to sweep up debris, and vacuum sweepers, which use suction to collect the waste.
Screeds
Screeds are an essential part of the asphalt paving process. This asphalt paving equipment comes in the form of a flat bar to smooth and level out the asphalt. There are many screeds, but the most common type is the vibrating screed, which uses vibration to level out the asphalt.
After the asphalt has been compacted and smoothed out, it needs to be cooled so it can harden. A water truck sprays water onto the asphalt to cool it down. Once the asphalt has cooled and hardened, it is ready to be used.
Graders
A grader is a heavy construction machine with a long blade that is used to create a level surface. The grader operator drives the machine back and forth over the area to level, using the blade to push the material around. Graders are often used with other equipment, such as rollers, to create a smooth, level surface.
Rollers
Rollers are large machines that have either one or two drums that rotate. As the machine moves forward, the drums compress the asphalt. It helps compact the asphalt and create a smoother surface.
Various types of rollers can be used for asphalt paving, including pneumatic rollers, steel wheel rollers, and rubber-tired rollers.
Pneumatic rollers have large, smooth drums that are filled with air. As the name suggests, steel wheel rollers have steel drums. Rubber-tired rollers have tires instead of drums for asphalt compaction.
Milling Machines
A milling machine eradicates the top layer of asphalt from a street, parking lot, or driveway. It is done to repair surface defects or to prepare the surface for new pavement.
Milling machines have large drums that rotate and grind up the asphalt. The drum can be raised or lowered to control how much asphalt gets removed.
A new asphalt layer is added after the asphalt has been milled. This layer will have a smooth surface because it will cover the imperfections in the old asphalt.
Reclaimers
Large-scale pavement projects use a reclaimer. A reclaimer is a milling machine that grinds up asphalt and produces a hot mix for the asphalt paving project. These are different from regular milling machines because they have a heated drum.
The hot mix produced by a reclaimer is ready to be placed immediately. It makes reclaimers efficient because there is no need to wait for the asphalt to cool off before placement.
An asphalt paving contractor will often use reclaimers on large projects where time is of the essence. Projects where the asphalt needed, is too much for a regular milling machine can use reclaimers.
Here’s what you want to know if you’re looking for more information on asphalt remediation and patching.
Considerations To Make Before Choosing the Right Asphalt Paving Equipment
- The size of the project: For a big project, you will need a machine that can handle a large quantity of asphalt at once. If the project is small, you can get by with a machine that produces less asphalt.
- The type of asphalt: There are different types of asphalt, and each type requires additional paving equipment. Make sure you know what kind of asphalt you’ll use before choosing your equipment.
- The climate: Asphalt paving equipment works best in warm weather. If the weather is cold, the asphalt won’t stick to the ground properly.
- The terrain: Choose equipment to handle the terrain you’ll be working. Some machines are better suited for flat surfaces, while others can handle hills and other types of uneven terrain.
Reasons To Consider an Asphalt Paving Contractor for Your Asphalt Paving Project.
Asphalt paving is a specialized task that experienced professionals should only complete. Expert asphalt paving contractors will complete the project correctly the first time as they have the necessary training and experience.
In addition to training and experience, asphalt paving contractors have access to the latest equipment and techniques.
Finally, hiring an asphalt paving contractor allows you to focus on other aspects of your business or home improvement project. Asphalt paving is time-consuming, and it is essential to have someone you can trust to handle this aspect of your project.
Action Construction Asphalt & Concrete provides extensive asphalt paving, sealcoating, repair, and concrete paving services in Dallas, TX. Request a quote today!
