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Paving
equipment is important in maintaining existing
roadways and creating new roads. In fact, with
over 90 percent of the nation's roads paved,
paving equipment plays an important role in
our transportation industry. Paving usually
takes two forms--asphalt paving and concrete
paving. Both substances have their advantages,
and work best when used in their ideal conditions.
Both asphalt and concrete are used to pave roads
and driveways. There has been a long debate
over which substance is the better choice, because
each has its own unique advantages. Although
concrete is a stronger substance and works best
for areas that accommodate large volumes of
traffic, asphalt is flexible and is the better
choice for areas that experience great temperature
and weather changes. Asphalt's ability to absorb
heat quickly and melt snow also make it a good
choice for mountain regions.
As the name suggests, an asphalt paver is used
to lay asphalt on roadways. Once the hot asphalt
has been dumped onto the paving area, a piece
of construction equipment called a roller presses
the asphalt into the ground, creating a smooth,
even surface. The asphalt paving machine operators
are responsible for regulating the asphalt temperature
and ensuring that an even flow of asphalt is
being poured. Once the asphalt has been laid,
it must be left to harden for at least six hours,
though many types of asphalt require a longer
hardening time.
A concrete paver is a piece of construction
equipment that is used in the formation of roadways,
driveways and bridges. The equipment operator
controls the paver's levers, ensuring that the
concrete is spread evenly on the road's surface.
The concrete paver is responsible for spreading,
leveling and vibrating the cement until a smooth,
even surface is created. There is a variety
of construction equipment used for concrete
paving, each specific to a certain purpose.
Pavers are available for concrete placers, airports
and streets and bridge decks. |
