Description of the technology of cast asphalt

The cast mixture of asphalt concrete is a compound structure compound that is widely used for building purposes. The main difference between cast asphalt and asphalt concrete is the procedure for its laying.

Mixing

The composition of cast asphalt includes the same components as for asphalt, but the proportions for batching are different. The main constituents of the cast mixture are crushed stone, sand, mineral powder and bitumen. However, the ingredients themselves are slightly different in composition. Sand is used naturally or from the screening of rocks, and mineral powder is produced from highly active carbonate rocks.

The amount of bitumen and powder is much higher than that of asphalt concrete, which makes the casting version more viscous and plastic. Most manufacturers use asphalt crumb to manufacture the cast mixture, which undoubtedly reduces the cost of making the road surface, but it negatively affects its properties.

Characteristics

The main advantage of this type of coating is full waterproofness due to a solid, rather than a porous structure, which increases durability and expands the scope of application. At observance of technological requirements at manufacturing lifetime of cast asphalt reaches half a century, which is much longer than the service of asphalt concrete.

The use of such mixtures makes it possible to make the road surface smoother and reduce the thickness without losing the sealing property. This type of asphalt concrete has increased corrosion and wear-resistant characteristics, is resistant to temporary changes and fatigue damage, and is also able to withstand huge stretches of deformation character. Cast asphalt is more resistant to damage by caterpillar technology or studded rubber, withstands sudden temperature changes and prolonged thermal impact. It does not require the use of a sealing compound, and the repair of the coating can be carried out even during low temperatures.

disadvantages

However, this coating also has negative qualities, which include high manufacturing costs due to the use of an increased number of expensive components, as well as the need to apply professional equipment for laying and replacing asphalt (specialized thermo-mixers and heaters). In addition, due to the high content of bitumen, astringent pavement indicators suffer, which causes the need for additional work on crushing black rubble onto the installed layer of asphalt pavement.

Technology of cast asphalt

The method itself is not innovative. The production of cast asphalt is carried out on asphalt concrete plants in special bituminous structures, similar to huge concrete mixers, using a technology similar to that of conventional asphalt concrete. The finished mixture has a high temperature (from 200 C), which is maintained until the material is used for its intended purpose. When transporting cast asphalt, it is necessary to constantly mix the mixture and keep the heat, for which special machines have been created - "coherers", which are thermo-mixers.

Application

Cast asphalt concrete is used for the construction of roads and highways, road and bridge coverings and pedestrian sidewalks. In addition, due to the ductile properties it is used for waterproofing or flooring in rooms. Wide popularity of cast asphalt was due to the comfortable use in the repair of road pits in the cold season at sub-zero temperatures. After all, this coating easily stands up to minus 10 degrees and conveniently fills the pit space.

Also used cast asphalt and for pavement coverings. This allows you to preserve all the positive qualities of the track and give it an aesthetic shape and structure. Through this pavement the grass does not germinate, no cracks appear. This coating is able to withstand both a high weight load and a temperature difference. However, the use of cast mixture in the production of paving slabs not only preserves all the useful properties of asphalt, but also creates new ones. Such a sidewalk has increased heat resistance and environmental friendliness, because the temperature of heating the tiles is higher, which does not allow the coating to release into the environment carcinogenic substances.

Cast asphalt is easily removed and dismantled, and also simply installed again. This saves money on repairs. The use of quality cast asphalt for the production of paving slabs guarantees a long shelf life of the coating, which, unlike asphalt itself, can reach 100 years. The sidewalk of the cast mixture is the best option for use on personal sites, because it is distinguished by a high level of quality and environmental friendliness. Cast asphalt concrete due to a wide range of useful properties and lack of disadvantages is ideal for the production of paving.