Asphalt has been produced for centuries. Roads in the United States have been paved with materials that include asphalt since at least 1870, when it was used to pave a street in front of the Newark City Hall in New Jersey. About 94% of U.S. roads and highways are surfaced with asphalt, it is the most recycled material in America (70 million tons of asphalt pavements are recycled every year).
Asphalt pavement is normally comprised of 95 percent aggregate (stone, sand, or gravel) and 5% asphalt cement binder. Asphalt Plants produce asphaltic concrete which is a mixture of well-graded aggregate and asphalt cement that is then heated and mixed in measured quantities. Aggregate consists of crushed rock and unwashed sand that is produced on site through the quarrying process. Asphalt is a versatile paving material that can be used for streets, parking lots, and even water storage. Asphalt pavements built today can be engineered to meet a variety of needs – for less noise, greater durability, enhanced skid resistance, reduced splash and spray in rainy weather, and a smoother ride than ever before.
