Pavement vs Asphalt: What are the key differences you should know?

Last update: 27/04/2023
Author: Sebastian Vidal

Introduction

It is common to confuse the terms pavement and asphalt, as they are often used interchangeably. However, they are two different but closely related things. In this article, we are going to explain their differences and their characteristics.

What is pavement?

The pavement is the surface that is placed on a structure to allow the circulation of vehicles and/or people. This can be built with various materials, such as concrete, brick, cobblestone, gravel, among others.

It is used for the construction of roads, streets, sidewalks, parks, parking lots, among other public and private spaces. The choice of material to use will depend on several factors, such as the traffic it will withstand, the climate, the budget, among others.

What is asphalt?

Asphalt is a binding and adherent material that is used in pavement construction. It is a petroleum derivative and is obtained through a refining process. It is characterized by its black color and its ability to absorb rainwater, which reduces the risk of accidents.

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It is one of the most used materials for the construction of roads and streets due to its durability, flexibility and low cost. In addition, its surface is smooth and provides a more comfortable ride for vehicles.

How are pavement and asphalt related?

Although asphalt is often used to construct pavement, not all pavements are built with asphalt. In fact, there are several materials that are used as pavement and asphalt is just one of them. Therefore, the relationship between both terms can be understood as that asphalt is one of the materials used to build pavement.

It is important to mention that asphalt is mainly used in the construction of roads and streets, while other materials, such as gravel, are used for the construction of rural roads or in areas where vehicle traffic is low.

Conclusions

In summary, we can say that the pavement is the surface that is placed on a structure to allow the circulation of vehicles and/or people, while asphalt is one of the materials used to build pavement. Asphalt is a durable, flexible, low-cost material used primarily for the construction of roads and streets.

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We hope this article has been helpful in understanding the differences between pavement and asphalt.

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