Asphalt versus concrete

Which material is better for your project?

    Before a public works (or street maintenance, or road repair) department can decide whether to use concrete or asphalt in a specific application, the department manager must arm himself with information to help him make the best choice.

    Asphalt is more common for a department to specify than concrete. “Asphalt over concrete – that’s the standard. It is what has been done for so long. But because it is the “standard” doesn’t necessarily make it the best option for all applications. Concrete may be better in some instances, the first of which is new construction. In urban metropolitan areas, where new roads are being built and existing roadways are being expanded, using concrete may be a good way to minimize future inconvenience. Funding is a big challenge. People are looking for short-term fixes, which have a political impact.

    Asphalt also can be specified as a long-term solution. Some pavement types must be completely removed and reconstructed when they reach the end of their design life, but total removal and reconstruction due to structural failure of a thick asphalt pavement is rare. With a thick asphalt structure, it is possible to obtain a ‘Perpetual Pavement’ one that can last indefinitely, with the only rehabilitation being milling of the surface followed by an asphalt overlay. Perpetual Pavement is a relatively new type of asphalt concrete pavement designed to resist structural fatigue distress for at least 50 years. Maintenance is limited to replacement of the surface course

 (http://www.pwmag.com/bridges/ asphalt-versus-concrete.aspx.20.03.2006.Adaptado)