Asphalt
Asphalt is a dark, bituminous material made from petroleum residues or natural deposits, and it is widely used as a binder in road-surfacing materials.
Asphalt is a dark, bituminous material derived from petroleum residues or natural deposits. It is widely used as a binder in road-surfacing materials and in composite paving materials such as asphalt concrete. In Canadian infrastructure, asphalt is a common industrial material for road construction, roofing, and waterproofing.
Composition and properties
Asphalt is a black or brown petroleum-like substance that ranges from viscous liquid to semi-solid or solid. It consists mainly of hydrocarbons and can soften when heated.
Production and occurrence
Asphalt is found in natural deposits and is also produced as a residue from petroleum refining. Natural asphalt may contain mineral matter, while refined asphalt is obtained from processed crude oil.
Uses
The main application of asphalt is road surfacing, usually in combination with mineral aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone to form asphalt concrete. It is also used in roofing, waterproofing, coatings, and other construction and industrial products.
Terminology
In North American usage, 'asphalt' may refer to the bituminous binder or the finished composite paving material. In other regions, related terms such as bitumen and tarmac may be used differently.
Key facts
- Asphalt is a dark, bituminous material obtained from petroleum refining or natural deposits.
- It is composed chiefly of hydrocarbons and may include minor amounts of other elements.
- Its principal use is as a binder in road-surfacing materials, often combined with aggregate to make asphalt concrete.
- Asphalt is also used for roofing, waterproofing, coatings, and other construction applications.
- Terminology varies: in some contexts, 'asphalt' refers to the binder, while in others it refers to the finished paving material.
Asphalt is widely used in Canadian road construction, paving, roofing, and waterproofing, making it a familiar industrial material in Canadian infrastructure and construction contexts.
Frequently asked questions
What is asphalt?
What is asphalt used for?
Is asphalt the same as bitumen?
What is asphalt concrete?
Does asphalt occur naturally?
References
- Britannica — Supports: Definition, composition, natural occurrence, and major uses of asphalt.
- Merriam-Webster — Supports: Dictionary definition and distinction between asphalt as material and paving composition.
- The Free Dictionary — Supports: Definitions describing asphalt as a bituminous substance and a paving mixture.
- Wikipedia — Supports: General descriptions of asphalt, asphalt concrete, and regional terminology differences.