Physical Flexibility
Asphalt roads are often referred to as flexible pavements. This is because they flex slightly under load. Well-maintained modern asphalts roads do not crack under the demands of either variable weather conditions or heavy traffic. The impact of heavy goods vehicles driving over an asphalt road is absorbed by the road imperceptibly flexing.
Asphalt's physical flexibility means that it can be easily and quickly laid on roads with rapidly changing gradients and sharp bends. In addition it is ideal for laying around fixed structures such as buildings or traffic islands.
The flexibility, and therefore durability, of asphalt is why it is the leading road construction material, being preferred to concrete which is rigid. In addition, asphalt is chosen as its physical flexibility provides an even surface and hence a more comfortable ride for road users.
Asphalt is flexible to work with which means that, unlike concrete, maintenance work can be carried out easily and quickly.
ASPHALT USES
Asphalt can be used in any location where a durable, flexible and easy-to-maintain surface is required. Uses include: roads, car parks, footways, cyclepaths, airport/rail/port infrastructure, landfill, sports pitches and leisure areas.
COLOURED ASPHALT
The use of colour is an extremely important element in modern construction and landscaping, and the availability and choice of coloured asphalts enable specifiers to exploit the functional qualities of these materials while gaining the benefit of additional aesthetic dimensions.