Two common materials for paving are asphalt and concrete, each of which has advantages of its own. To achieve a seamless and long-lasting finish when laying asphalt over an existing concrete surface, it’s critical to comprehend the procedure. This technique can be especially helpful for replacing a concrete driveway that has become worn out or for creating a new surface that is more flexible and strong.
It’s important to properly prepare the concrete surface before you begin. The asphalt’s adherence can be impacted by debris or cracks in the concrete, so it needs to be clean and in good condition. In addition to guaranteeing a strong adhesion of the asphalt, proper preparation increases the new surface’s longevity.
We’ll lead you through the process of laying asphalt over concrete in this guide. You’ll find helpful guidance to complete a successful paving project, from sanitizing and fixing the existing surface to rolling and curing the finished product. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or hiring a professional, knowing these essential steps will help you attain a superior finish.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Prepare the Surface | Clean the concrete thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and oil. Make sure the surface is dry and free of any loose particles. |
| 2. Repair Cracks | Fill any cracks or holes in the concrete with a suitable patching compound. Allow it to cure completely before proceeding. |
| 3. Apply Primer | Use a primer designed for asphalt to help the asphalt adhere properly to the concrete. Apply it evenly and let it dry according to the manufacturer"s instructions. |
| 4. Lay the Asphalt | Spread the asphalt evenly over the primed concrete. Use a suitable spreader or paver to ensure an even layer. |
| 5. Compact the Asphalt | Use a roller or compactor to press the asphalt down and ensure it bonds well with the concrete. This step helps to eliminate air pockets and achieve a smooth finish. |
| 6. Allow to Cure | Let the asphalt cure according to the manufacturer"s recommendations before using the surface. This helps to achieve the best durability and performance. |
Technical requirements
The technological procedure for installing defensive asphalt is more complicated than it first appears. Such work necessitates knowledge, expertise, and abilities. Prior to starting to lay or repair the road surface, you should review the relevant GOSTs, manuals, and documents. These are just the primary GOSTs:
- GOST 7473-85. This document describes the necessary rules, requirements and technical nuances. It is these standards that must be taken as a starting point during the production of concrete solutions.
- GOST 9128-97. This document provides requirements for different types of concrete solutions used for highways and airfields.
- GOST 28013-89. This document provides requirements for the production of asphalt concrete solutions.
- GOST 30412-96. This document describes methods and materials for accurately measuring slopes and unevenness for public roads and airfields.
- GOST 30413-96. This document is written specifically for public roads, it describes a method for finding the adhesion of vehicle wheels to the road surface.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to examine both the CMEA standardization and the aforementioned guidelines. It outlines the general specifications and limitations for public roads. Should you fail to adhere to the specifications listed in the documentation, there’s a good chance that the mounted coating will soon develop cracks and surface irregularities.
Coating materials
The significance of materials cannot be overstated. After all, their decision ultimately determines the technological process’s economic aspect. It’s critical to understand that cutting costs on materials isn’t always a good idea.
The market gives consumers access to a vast array. The durability and strength indicators will be impacted by the ease with which you can now purchase a solution that effectively strengthens the soil. The road surface will be available to users for an extended period of time. The solution’s unique composition holds the soil particles together, giving the soil strength and a stone-like consistency.
Performing certain preparatory actions is crucial prior to applying concrete mortar to the ground:
- Plants must be removed from the topsoil, and the soil must be compacted using a roller. It is better to use a roller that weighs at least 1.5 tons. The soil surface must be extremely smooth, the permissible maximum error in the slope angle is no more than 3 centimeters for every three meters.
- It is recommended to treat the soil with specialized solutions for sterilization, this is necessary in order to prevent the growth of grass, weeds and flowers.
- Before laying the concrete solution, it is imperative to first lay the drainage layer. The drainage layer is laid from crushed stone and quarry sand, it is important that there are several such layers and the width of each of them is not less than 10 centimeters. Crushed stone drainage must be thoroughly trampled. For better shrinkage, it is recommended to water the base. It is necessary that the sand is compacted by at least 90%.
In order to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish when applying asphalt over concrete, the surface must be properly prepared. To begin with, give the concrete a thorough cleaning to get rid of any debris, oil, or dirt that might prevent adhesion. Next, fix any imperfections or cracks in the concrete to create a solid foundation. To strengthen the bond between the freshly laid asphalt layer and the concrete, apply a tack coat. Lastly, level out and compact the asphalt to create a durable, strong surface that will not break easily.
The order of laying and compaction
It is imperative that the technological procedure involved in laying asphalt road surfaces be followed precisely as directed. It is essential to start laying the surface as soon as the concrete solution is made or delivered, and it is best to lay everything at once. One of the primary requirements in all GOSTs is that delays are unacceptable.
Using auto-pavers and rollers, two types of specialized installation equipment, is advised for large-scale projects like laying public roads. On the other hand, mops and shovels will suffice if the task is simple, like arranging a sidewalk. Furthermore, compacting the coating with a roller—even a tiny one—is not always feasible. The best course of action in this case would be to employ vibrating plates.
You probably won’t hire specialized designers if the project is going to be completed on a private farmstead or summer home. This does not negate the need to adhere to specific guidelines regarding the coating’s width, though. This indicator changes based on the kind of coating:
- for paths in the garden, the width of the layer should be about 4 centimeters;
- for driveways, the width should be at least 5 centimeters.
The proper application of technological processes determines the caliber of concrete and foundation installation. It is crucial that the foundation be created on schedule and compacted completely. There are several technologies available for compaction: rollers, vibration, and manual compaction. Specialized tools could differ as well. This might be:
- automated roller;
- hand roller;
- vibrating roller;
- vibrating plate.
The temperature range for laying concrete mixture should not be lower than 100C, per GOST 9128-2009 requirements. This temperature guarantees improved compaction of the coating that is formed. Essentially, the concrete solution becomes more difficult to compact at lower temperatures, necessitating extended roller work. Watering them first is necessary to keep the mixture from sticking to the vibrating plate or other equipment.
Carefully monitoring the number of passes made by the roller is necessary to ensure that the coating’s surface is uniformly smooth. This figure ought to be the same. Additionally, the rink shouldn’t move backward to avoid damaging the concrete coating. It won’t be at all difficult to asphalt the road surface if the technological stages proceed with caution.
Asphalt concrete coating
You will need to adhere to certain care guidelines if you want the completed road surface to have a long service life and avoid having to concrete everything again.
New asphalt makes it impossible for cars or heavy machinery to ride on. It is strictly forbidden for Caterpillar technology to be moved on it. This coating is too soft for this kind of transport because of its characteristics, and the tracks will leave only surface damage. These dents will eventually cause destruction, necessitating either repair or replacement of the asphalt.
This restriction is especially important when the outside temperature is high. This occurs because hot weather causes the asphalt to soften even more, making it more vulnerable to the harmful effects of technology. The road surface should be repaired as soon as any flaws, cracks, or other damage is discovered in order to stop additional deterioration.
Laying asphalt concrete on old concrete or asphalt
It is also possible to use an old asphalt base. This is a viable alternative to creating a new foundation and incurring further costs. First things first, the old road surface needs to be completely cleared of all debris and broken asphalt. The base needs to be as clean as possible in order to move on to the next phase of the technological process. If there are any cracks in the coating, they must be cleaned, slightly widened, and deepened.
The bitumen material must then be taken and thoroughly heated. You can start working on the bitumen again once it has sufficiently warmed. Using a specialized engine, bituminous material is poured around the edge of the road surface and evenly distributed. The finished product should be a half-meter-wide strip, but it’s crucial that bitumen material is thoroughly applied to the edges. The whole surface of the road must be covered in these stripes. Following this phase, the process of laying asphalt concrete resumes as usual.
Concrete can be covered with asphalt to greatly improve its strength and appearance, but this process calls for careful planning and execution. For the concrete and asphalt to bond firmly, the concrete must be spotless and free of cracks and debris. Effective cleaning and priming procedures lay the groundwork for a fruitful installation.
It is imperative to adhere to the correct procedures during application in order to prevent problems like uneven surfaces or poor adhesion. The outcome can be significantly affected by applying and mixing the asphalt correctly, as well as by keeping the temperature at the proper level. In order to achieve a smooth and durable surface during this process, patience and attention to detail are essential.
Maintaining the appearance and extending the life of freshly laid asphalt can be achieved through routine maintenance. Little routines like routine cleaning and fast repair of any cracks or damage can stop bigger problems from arising. You can make sure that your asphalt surface is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for many years to come by following these steps.
