Hot asphalt concrete is an important material in the construction of road projects. It is a mixture of crushed stone, sand, and mineral powder, which is heated and mixed with bitumen in a specified ratio. The production of this mixture takes place at specialized mixing plants, and the hot asphalt concrete is then transported to the site and applied using specialized equipment to pave the road surface. There are two main types of hot asphalt concrete: standard hot mix asphalt and polymer-modified hot mix asphalt, each with its own applications and features. Standard hot mix asphalt is suitable for regular road surfaces, providing a stable protective layer, while polymer-modified hot mix asphalt is designed with enhanced features for high-performance transportation projects.
Hot asphalt concrete road surfaces have many advantages, including a dense structure and good load-bearing capacity, which enables the road to withstand high traffic loads without easily wearing out or generating dust. The smooth surface with moderate hardness allows for smooth vehicle movement, reduces noise, and is suitable for mechanized construction. As a result, hot mix asphalt ensures long-lasting road surfaces, contributing to the quality and efficiency of transportation projects.
However, hot asphalt concrete also has some limitations that need to be considered. The dark color of the road surface can make navigation difficult at night. In particular, under high temperatures and prolonged exposure to water, the strength of the road surface tends to decrease, and when the surface is wet, the tire grip also reduces. Additionally, hot mix asphalt can undergo aging due to the effects of time, traffic loads, and climatic conditions, which affects the durability of the road. The construction of hot mix asphalt requires specialized equipment and strict supervision processes, with high technical expertise needed to ensure the quality of the project.Hot asphalt concrete is primarily used in the construction of highways, airports, parking lots, industrial buildings, and transportation roads.
The construction process for hot asphalt concrete pavement is illustrated in Fig. 1.