Asphalt

Asphalt is produced through the refining of petroleum. It is a viscous adhesive that, along with aggregate, forms HMA pavement surfaces.

Petroleum asphalt is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most petroleum crude oils and in some natural deposits. Petroleum crude oil is a complex mixture of a great many different hydrocarbons.

Ignoring any maintenance costs, asphalt is generally much cheaper to install than concrete. On average, the cost per square foot for asphalt will run between $2.50 to $4.00. Fluctuations in crude oil prices can cause fluctuations in asphalt prices but the price will remain around this range.

Asphalt concrete pavement mixes are typically composed of 5% asphalt cement and 95% aggregates (stone, sand, and gravel). Due to its highly viscous nature, asphalt cement must be heated so it can be mixed with the aggregates at the asphalt mixing facility.

Street maintenance requires milling and resurfacing roads with asphalt every 20 years.  It costs $150 000 per mile.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader