Archive for the ‘Asphalt’ Category

Seal Coating

Seal coating is a combination of emulsified water, asphalt, mineral fillers and several other mixtures. Seal coating is mainly used in parking lots and other places where flow of traffic is quite low. It is applied at the asphalt pavement with the help of a broom, mechanical spray and rubber squeegee.

Seal coat is normally used on the asphalt to prevent water or dirt at the surface and to protect it from oxidation and sunlight. Seal coat provides a beautiful look to the road or any other place where it is applied and gives a smooth surface.

Seal coat is applied on the areas where there is a very low traffic and short cuts with very less radiuses such as parking lots, schools, home parks and lots more. Seal coating is also used on highway areas where there is generally straight continuing traffic.

Difficulty While Designing

A problem generally occurs while designing or constructing asphalt pavement, that is, infiltration of water in asphalt base. This is as important to retreat the asphalt base regularly to protect it from being corrosive and erodible.

Due to oxidation the surface becomes brittle and leads to the appearance of small cracks. The only solution to this problem is regular replacement or removal of aged asphalt.

Useful Asphalt Seal Coating

Seal coating is very helpful in preventing oxidation from asphalt pavement and the erosion of top layer. Seal coating prevents water from entering into the surface and seals the small cracks which in turn can take the shape of bigger cracks.

Seal coat also averts the effect of sun and protects the asphalt base from ill effects of oil, gasoline and other chemical spills. It gives a shiny, black and attractive look that is perfect for markers and painting lines. The best part is that seal coating can be done within very reasonable rates.

Seal coating is done by spraying a seal coat in a single motion which can also be done using a squeegee. It is important to fill the patches or cracks first so as to perform the task of seal coating accurately. Cleaning of oil and spots is also an important factor for clearing the spots.

Applying a seal coating is very economic and helpful in protecting below pavement by reducing the effect of sunlight and other chemicals. Normally seal coating is done after every 4 – 5 years if necessary, but coating done by a trained professional does not needs seal coating to be reapplied even for 8 years or more.

What is Asphalt ?

Asphalt is derived from the French word ‘Asphalte’. It’s is an extremely poisonous substance used in mixing concrete. Asphalt can be found in sticky liquid or semi solid forms in crude petroleum products. Also known as Asphalt cement in polish and American term, the substance is defined as the refined remains of distilled crude oils.

It’s separated from other components of crude oil by simple distillation process under vacuum conditions. It’s called Bitumen in other countries. Asphalt is stored and transported at approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Diesel oil or kerosene is mixed with Asphalt before it is shipped to retain the liquidity content.

The lighter oils are eventually separated on delivery. Asphalt is mixed with other ingredients such as stone chips and gravel to apply on road surface construction.

Asphalt Usage

Asphalt is used in building of roads. It acts as a binder for small stone chips used in constructions. It is a composite product used to make pavements, highways, drive-ways, pavements etc. It can be derived from other components on crude oil by simple distillation under vacuum atmosphere. Read the rest of this entry »