How To Choose the Right Road Base Material?
PUBLISHED BY DUCON INDUSTRIES | AUGUST 12 2022
The material used on the surface is critical when it comes to roads. The suitable road base material will extend the life of your road, keep it in better condition and provide a higher level of safety for the public. Picking the right material can be a complicated process. It requires plenty of research and the correct application. Thankfully, some people know more about it than you, where we come in. We’ve made this article to help you choose what’s best for your road.
#1 Consider Your Climate
The UAE is a hot and dry country, meaning road base materials should be selected based on their ability to withstand high temperatures. The best choice for the UAE is asphalt concrete mix (ACM), which has good thermal and mechanical properties.
Asphalt concrete mix can be used as a base material for roads, as it is typically used in areas with hot and dry weather conditions. In addition to its durability, asphalt concrete mix also features good thermal properties; this means it can handle temperatures up to 300°C without melting or cracking.
#2 Consider Your Project Needs
Another crucial thing you should consider when choosing a road base is the project needs. This includes what you plan on using it for and how long it will be needed. You also need to consider how much traffic will be passing over it and what weather conditions it will be exposed to regularly. For example, if you live in an area where there’s snow during the winter months, you’ll want a material that can withstand those conditions well. Or, if you live in an area where there’s heavy rain throughout most seasons, then choose one that won’t get washed away too quickly by floodwaters or other runoff issues that could damage your driveway or lot in general.
#3 Understand Your Materials Options
There are essentially three main types of road base material: gravel, crushed stone, and asphalt. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to understand them when choosing your material.
Gravel is essentially small rocks used to create a smooth surface on roads. This material is often used in rural areas where there are few cars and traffic volume is low. Gravel has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive. Still, it can cause damage to vehicles when they hit potholes in the road and cause dust when the wind blows across it during dry weather conditions.
Crushed stone is made from larger rocks than gravel and generally isn’t used for paved roads because it doesn’t have as much cushioning or give when vehicles drive over it compared with asphalt or concrete. However, crushed stone offers a long-lasting surface that can last for decades if properly maintained with regular maintenance checks for potholes or cracks in the road that need filling to prevent further damage.
Asphalt is often referred to as blacktop because it is the same color. Asphalt is also used to describe asphalt concrete or a surface made of a mixture of asphalt and concrete. Asphalt is a natural product that has been refined for use in road construction.
#4 Consider Environmental Factors
Another step in choosing the right material is determining what environmental conditions your project will be exposed to. Suppose you live in an area with extreme temperatures or frequent rainstorms. You’ll want a material that will hold up well under these conditions without requiring extensive maintenance or repair work.
#5 Consider Costs Effectively
Cost is always a consideration when building new roads or driveways, but it doesn’t always mean choosing the cheapest option. In many cases, it’s possible to save money in the long term by using more expensive materials that are more durable and require less maintenance over time.
Let’s Wind Up
Ducon Industries is a trusted supplier of premium-quality road base material, including recycled aggregates. We assure you the most competitive prices. Our products are available in different sizes and grades, which can be customized as per your requirement.
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