How High Temperatures Affects Your Pavement

Climate change has become a high-impact factor for pavement and many road constructions, influencing their composition and physical condition. High temperatures promote the rapid deterioration of the pavement due to prolonged heating and cause damage to the substructure as the permafrost layer is lost. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a pavement and asphalt mixture with the necessary characteristics to withstand high temperatures and provide adequate maintenance.

Here’s how High Temperatures Affects Your Pavement!

What do High Temperatures do to Asphalt Pavement?

In geographical areas where the temperature exceeds 50°C, the temperature of the rolling surface is increased by 35%. If the solar radiation is very high, it could be up to 75% above the ambient temperature. The biggest complication in such temperatures is pavement maintenance since it is more susceptible to deformation.

During the summer there is less rain and the sun shines more, which causes the asphalt pavement to slowly deteriorate due to ultraviolet oxidation. Asphalt is made from a combination of light and heavy oils. Ultraviolet rays and oxygen in the air cause light oils to become heavy. Asphalt becomes more brittle (brittle) and more likely to crack due to those extra-heavy oils.

For the more classic asphalt, it will be necessary to wait until the mercury is close to 50 to 60°, while for the hardest, it is the ultraviolet rays more than the heat that will be merciless. As a result, asphalt surfaces will tend to break or burst when severe weather takes over.

When the temperature exceeds 45ºC, the deformation of the asphalt layer is accelerated, causing ruts and undulations to appear very quickly. These deformations directly affect the traffic. It is mainly due to the type of mixture used in pavement.

If the deformations are not repaired immediately, they begin to accumulate water, which generates hydroplaning in the vehicles, a situation that can compromise the safety of the users. On the other hand, if water seeps into the base and sub-base layers, it causes them to lose their bearing capacity due to moisture.

Another effect of high temperatures on asphalt is the alteration of the rigidity modulus of the pavement, causing sensitivity in it and consequently cracking or even structural deformation.

Cracks in asphalt can also be caused by excessive hardening from high UV levels and high oxidation from heatwaves.

The experts also point to the process named “bleeding.” The temperature liquefies the asphalt, which rises to the surface and covers the rolling aggregates. Hence a loss of vehicle grip.

High Temperatures Affect Concrete too

But asphalt pavements are not exclusive of the damage caused by high heat. Those made of concrete are not spared too. It is an elastic building material that expands when heated. The action of high temperatures and low humidity increase the tendency of concrete to lose consistency during transport.

However, the source of the problem is more in the execution than in the design or the material itself. Mainly old concrete pavements that have not been maintained in years are susceptible to deformation.

In areas where high temperatures are expected, concrete pavements are preferred because heat affects their performance to a lesser extent than asphalt-covered pavements. However, asphalt pavements can be adapted to high temperatures with the right precautions.

Adapting Pavements to High Temperatures

In the aftermath of the raging summer season and knowing that the high temperatures will increase in the future, it is essential to consider the right pavement materials that can withstand high heat.

Some of the precautions that can reduce the risk of pavement deformation are:

Update of the design standards according to the new climatic thresholds

Maintain strict adherence to the quality control of the asphalt mixture

Use materials with better hydraulic performance on the base or foundation layers

The use of additives such as hydrated lime improves the bond between the asphalt and the aggregate, avoiding the damages

Place coating layers on the pavement to avoid overheating.

Nobody can control the weather, but what you can do is choose an expert in developing and placing asphalt mixtures, such as Trinity Asphalt Paving.

Driveway Patching Delray Beach, Florida!

If you’re looking for a professional driveway patching service in Delray Beach, Florida, contact Trinity Asphalt Paving, experts in commercial and residential asphalt paving installations. The Trinity Asphalt Paving staff is aware of the importance of a pavement built with optimal asphalt mixtures for extreme climates with the best performance and a longer-than-average lifespan. Call for a free quote or visit their website for more information!