Asphalt Paving (D11)
Asphalt provides smooth, durable surfaces at lower cost than concrete – but Utah’s temperature extremes test pavement limits.
This BidScope guides you through asphalt applications: residential driveways, commercial parking lots, private roads, and pathways.
Learn asphalt thickness requirements: residential driveways need minimum 2 inches compacted asphalt over 4-6 inches aggregate base, commercial applications require 3-4 inches asphalt over 6-8 inches base depending on traffic loads.
Understand base preparation – the foundation of asphalt performance: excavation to proper depth, aggregate base installation and compaction (95% Proctor density minimum), proper grading for drainage.
Master hot-mix asphalt (HMA) specifications: gradation (size distribution of aggregates), asphalt cement content (typically 5-6% by weight), mixing temperature (290-320°F), compaction temperature (minimum 175°F for proper density).
Navigate different asphalt mixes: fine-graded for smooth finish and residential use, coarse-graded for heavy traffic and durability.
Learn compaction requirements – inadequate compaction causes premature failure.
Understand when tack coat is needed (bonding new asphalt to existing).
Know edge treatment options: gravel shoulder, concrete curb, or tapered edge.
Learn sealcoating importance and timing: wait 6-12 months before first sealcoat, reapply every 2-3 years for protection.
Understand crack repair and when patches versus overlays versus full reconstruction make sense.
Navigate Utah challenges: freeze-thaw cycles cause cracking, UV exposure hardens and oxidizes asphalt, snow removal damages edges.
Calculate realistic costs – asphalt typically $3-7 per square foot installed depending on thickness and base requirements.
This tool ensures your asphalt pavement is properly designed and installed for maximum lifespan in Utah’s climate.
What’s Included:
- Asphalt paving applications (driveways, parking lots, roads, paths)
- Residential driveway specifications
- Commercial parking lot requirements
- Heavy-duty asphalt for trucks and equipment
- Asphalt thickness requirements (2 inches minimum residential, 3-4 inches commercial)
- Thickness by traffic load and use
- Base preparation (excavation, grading, aggregate base)
- Aggregate base depth (4-6 inches residential, 6-8 inches commercial)
- Base material specifications (3/4-inch crushed rock)
- Base compaction requirements (95% Proctor minimum)
- Subgrade preparation and compaction
- Geotextile fabric for soft soils
- Hot-mix asphalt (HMA) specifications
- Asphalt mix design and gradation
- Asphalt cement content (5-6% typical)
- Aggregate gradation (fine vs coarse)
- Mixing temperature (290-320°F)
- Laying temperature requirements
- Compaction requirements and methods
- Roller types (steel drum, pneumatic tire, vibratory)
- Compaction temperature (minimum 175°F for density)
- Target density (92-96% of theoretical maximum)
- Tack coat application (bonding layer)
- Prime coat for unpaved base
- Edge treatment options (gravel, concrete curb, tapered edge)
- Slope for drainage (1-2% minimum)
- Crown for water shedding
- Pavement joints and transitions
- Thickness transitions
- Utility cut patches
- Sealcoating timing and application
- Wait 6-12 months before first sealcoat
- Sealcoat reapplication (every 2-3 years)
- Crack sealing and repair
- Crack types (alligator, longitudinal, transverse)
- Patching methods (infrared, mill and fill, overlay)
- Overlay vs full reconstruction decisions
- Striping and marking
- Freeze-thaw damage in Utah
- UV oxidation and aging
- Snow removal effects
- Salt and deicer damage
- Lifecycle and expected lifespan (15-20 years with maintenance)
- Cost factors ($3-7 per sq ft typical)
- Cost comparison to concrete
- Seasonal considerations (avoid cold weather paving)
- Finding qualified asphalt contractors
