2 Distinct Benefits Of Rubber Modified Asphalt

As paving technology continues to grow, a variety of different asphalt products continue to be developed. One type of asphalt that has gained much popularity in recent years is known as rubber modified asphalt, or RMA. If you would like to learn more about the advantages of this type of asphalt, read on. This article will discuss two distinct benefits of rubber modified asphalt.

Brief Overview Of Rubber Modified Asphalt

To better understand the benefits of rubber modified asphalt, it helps to first know a bit more about this specialized form of asphalt. All asphalts contain one or more types of additive to help increase the strength of the binder that holds the aggregate rocks together. In the case of RMA, the additive used is a type of rubber known as micronized rubber powder.

Micronized rubber powder is derived in large part from old automobile tires. These tires go through a form of processing that involves cleaning the tires, removing their reinforcing wire, and grinding the rubber down into a consistently fine powder. This powder is then added to the hot asphalt during its mixing stage.

Improved Rut Resistance

Compared to concrete, gravel, and other commonly used paving materials, asphalt represents a fairly soft type of pavement. This fact makes asphalt especially vulnerable to the development of ruts over time. As their name would imply, ruts are areas where the asphalt has become compressed due to heavy vehicles. Such ruts are not only a problem in themselves, but they also increase the risk of cracking, raveling, and other forms of asphalt damage.

Rubber modified asphalt displays a greater degree of rut resistance than regular asphalt. That's because the rubber powder helps to add strength and stability to the asphalt binder. In other words, it produces a "stiffer" asphalt. It does this by filling in the gaps between the chunks of aggregate, so the aggregate is less likely to become compressed over time.

Greater Skid Resistance

The tires on your car are designed to get the greatest possible amount of traction which reduces the chances of skidding on wet or icy roadways. Fortunately, that rubber performs this exact same task when used as an asphalt additive. This fact has been conclusively demonstrated by scientific studies, which have shown that the average stopping distance on an icy road is decreased by an average of 25% when that road contains a rubber modified asphalt.

A paving contractor like Payless Paving Solutions Inc can answer questions about rubber modified asphalt and any other paving services you may need.


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