Prior to the 20th century, asphalt was mined from natural sources and shipped. However, by 1907, the production of refined petroleum asphalt outstripped the use of natural asphalt.
Sealing new asphalt is an important step to ensuring the longevity of the surface. It will help protect the asphalt from gasoline and transmission fluids and spills, as well as oil stains and damage.
Did you know asphalt pavement is built in layers? The first step is to remove topsoil and compact the earth. Then, a base, which is constructed of stone or both stone and asphalt, is placed and compacted to help carry the load. Two more layers of hot mix asphalt finish the pavement.
Historically, the purposeful construction of general public byways, or roads, has been considered synonymous with advancing civilizations. In modern times, covering these roads with a hard smooth surface made them durable and strong.
Around 1872, Belgian immigrant Edward de Smedt engineered a modern-version of well-graded asphalt pavement. This was first used in Battery Park and on Fifth Avenue in New York City in 1872.
Road mix surfaces refer to the mechanical mixing of asphalt and aggregate directly on the road bed. This forms a thin one- to four -inch surface. Then asphalt was often applied as an emulsion.