Asphalt: Exploring the Versatility of a Modern Paving Solution A New Option for Construction Projects

History of Asphalt Use

The use of Asphalt dates back thousands of years. Many ancient civilizations discovered and made use of natural Asphalt deposits to waterproof vessels and for building construction. Ancient Sumerians used Asphalt around 4000 BC to make waterproof floors and walls. Later Greeks and Romans also discovered its maritime uses and applied it in road construction. Modern Asphalt usage began in the 1870s when it was utilized as a paving material for streets and walkways. Today, Asphalt is the most widely used pavement material across the world.

Asphalt Production Process

Asphalt is a refined product obtained from crude oil through fractional distillation. In this process, crude oil is heated to around 400°C which separates it into different hydrocarbon fractions of varied molecular compositions including Asphalt. Further processing of Asphalt fractions results in Asphalt cement which is a highly viscous liquid. This is mixed with aggregates like sand, gravel and mineral fillers to form Asphalt concrete for paving applications. Additives are sometimes included during production to modify performance properties of the final mixture.

Asphalt is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It is made through refinement of crude oil into Asphalt cement for uses in construction and industrial application. Asphalt is primarily composed of Asphalts, which are highly complex organic compounds that include small amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen. In its solid form, it is commonly referred to as Asphalt concrete or just Asphalt.