Glossary

Asphalt: A mixture of aggregates (such as crushed stone, gravel, sand) and bitumen used for paving roads, driveways, and other surfaces.

Bitumen: A sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum used as the binding agent in asphalt paving.

Pavement: The surface layer of a road, sidewalk, or driveway, which can be made of various materials, including asphalt.

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): Asphalt mixture produced at a high temperature that is commonly used for road construction and resurfacing.

Cold Mix Asphalt: Asphalt mixture that can be used at lower temperatures and is often used for temporary repairs and patching.

Paver: A machine used in asphalt paving to lay the hot mix asphalt evenly and compact it to create a smooth surface.

Compaction: The process of compressing the asphalt material with heavy rollers to achieve the desired density and strength.

Base Course: The layer of material (typically aggregate) placed beneath the asphalt surface to provide stability and support.

Subbase: A layer of material placed below the base course to improve the pavement’s load-bearing capacity and drainage.

Binder Course: A middle layer of asphalt between the surface course and base course that provides additional strength and durability.

Surface Course: The top layer of asphalt pavement, designed to withstand traffic wear and provide a smooth driving surface.

Crack Sealing: The process of filling or sealing cracks in the asphalt surface to prevent moisture infiltration and further damage.

Striping: The application of painted lines, symbols, and markings on the asphalt surface for traffic guidance and safety.

Resurfacing: The process of applying a new layer of asphalt over an existing pavement to restore its condition and extend its lifespan.

Milling: Removing the top layer of an old asphalt surface to prepare it for resurfacing or to adjust its thickness.

Curb and Gutter: Concrete structures at the edge of the road that provide drainage and support for the asphalt pavement.

Binder: The intermediate asphalt mix used in multiple layers to improve the pavement’s strength and durability.

Tack Coat: A thin layer of asphalt emulsion applied to the existing surface to help bond the new asphalt layer during resurfacing.

Aggregate: Crushed stone, gravel, sand, or other materials mixed with bitumen to create asphalt.

Compaction Density: The degree of compaction achieved in the asphalt layers, measured in terms of air voids and density.

Infrared Asphalt Repair: A method of repairing damaged asphalt by using infrared heat to soften the existing material before reworking and compacting it.

Rutting: Depressions or grooves in the asphalt surface caused by repeated heavy vehicle traffic.

Pothole: A depression or hole in the asphalt pavement caused by the wear and tear of traffic and weather conditions.

Slope: The incline or gradient of the road’s surface designed to facilitate water drainage.

Sealcoating: The application of a protective coating to the asphalt surface to enhance its longevity and appearance.

Asphalt Recycling: Reusing existing asphalt materials to create new pavement, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Shoulder: The edge of the road next to the travel lanes, often made of asphalt or a different material.

Compaction Roller: Heavy machinery used to compact and smooth the asphalt layers during construction.

Asphalt Batch Plant: A facility where asphalt is produced in batches before being transported to construction sites.

ADA-compliant: Refers to pavement or surfaces that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.