Asphalt might not be the first thing you think of as something that can be environmentally friendly. But asphalt is just that.
The main and seemingly most important benefit is that asphalt can be recycled and reused. This is obviously good for the environment but also makes manufacturing asphalt more economical.
Perpetual pavement, which consists of a stable subbase, a fatigue-resistant intermediate layer and a very smooth surface layer, is another form of ‘green’ asphalt. Because this special pavement does not need to be completely removed and replaced (only resurfaced), the production of new materials is reduced – again, saving resources. Through the construction and use of perpetual pavement, greenhouse gases are reduced.
Porous asphalt and open-graded asphalt also have a role in the environmental effects and benefits of asphalt paving. These two types of asphalt work together.
During a rainstorm, the water is filtered through the pavement and into the ground. The only difference between the two pavements is the layering.
- Open-graded asphalt is used mainly for highways and surfacing roads with an impermeable layer directly underneath.
- Porous asphalt is used mainly for parking lots and driveways, and has a stone recharge bed underneath the open-graded surface.
Both asphalts can improve water quality through their ability to diminish erosion and reducing particulates that drain into rivers and streams after storms.
For more information on ‘green’ asphalt and its various benefits contact the professionals at Wolf Paving.
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