Asphalt milling is the best alternative for building roads or driveways that you want to last for decades or more. Asphalt is a durable and inexpensive solution for keeping roadways, parking lots, and driveways smooth and lasting. Asphalt is a durable and inexpensive solution for keeping commercial roadways, parking lots, and driveways smooth and lasting. But how do we restore damaged asphalt surfaces for a new layer of asphalt? The answer is asphalt milling. This article will explain what asphalt milling is and its process.
Asphalt Milling: What is It? Where Is It Used?
Asphalt milling, also referred to as cold milling or cold planing, consists of removing a portion of the existing pavement surface to help restore it to a uniform texture for use or repaving. This method is low-cost and promotes sustainability as it can recycle the milled materials into various uses. In this guide by Eli’s Paving, you will learn about the applications.
Keep reading to know where asphalt is widely used:
Applications Of Asphalt Milling
Asphalt milling is a widely used method for restoring worn-out surfaces. The applications are as follows:
- Roads and highways: For resurfacing cracked or rutted roads to provide a smooth, uniform base.
- Parking lots: Repairing commercial and residential parking lots that have been worn down by heavy traffic and weather conditions.
- Drainage correcting: Correcting the slope of the paved surface to fix drainage concerns and avoid standing water.
- Driveways and paths: Making durable, low-maintenance surfaces like driveways and walking paths.
| Did you know? Asphalt milling is also called Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement or RAP. |
The Milling Process: How Asphalt Is Milled
Asphalt milling is a key factor of the road rehabilitation and maintenance process that uses a systematic step-by-step approach to effectively repairing worn-out asphalt surfaces and preparing them for the application of new asphalt overlays.
Keep reading to learn about the new process:
| Step 1: Assess & Plan | Step 2: Milling Machine Preparation |
Start by examining the pavement’s condition, then note the depth of milling, and finally plan the project for a smooth and on-time finish. | Calibrate the asphalt milling machine according to the depth required to carefully remove the old layers of pavement. |
| Step 3: Controlled Milling Operation | Step 4: Material Collection & Surface Prep |
The machine grinds and removes the damaged asphalt layers in one clean sweep and creates a smooth, flat surface for the surface to be placed on. | Collect the removed Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) for recycling and clean the new surface, preparing it for new asphalt. |
What are the Benefits of Asphalt Milling?
Asphalt milling is the process of removing the top layer of old or damaged pavement, which is then recycled. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly practice prepares the surface for a new layer of asphalt while leaving the foundation intact.
The benefits of are as follows:
- Cost-effective solution
Compared to obtaining and expressing new asphalt, asphalt milling is a cost-effective option because, with the use of recycled asphalt material, you are saving on material, transport, and labor.
- Environmentally friendly
Asphalt milling is sustainable because the old pavement can be reused for new projects, resulting in less waste and use of finite resources, and subsequently, lower energy consumption and emission of carbon pollution associated with making new asphalt.
- Improved safety and appearance
Milling fixes imperfections such as ruts and cracks and creates a smooth, level surface which is safer for drivers, through improved traction, drainage, and skid resistance, while giving the pavement a fresh, new appearance.
- Enhanced durability
By providing a rough surface, milling allows for better adhesion for new asphalt, and the better the bond, the more durable the new asphalt product will be, thereby extending the new pavement’s life and avoiding future damage due to cracking or wearing.
- Fast and Efficient Process
Milling is a quicker and more efficient process than full reconstruction and allows for minimizing disruption to traffic, with roads and parking areas being able to open sooner with less disruption to area residents and businesses.
Conclusion
Asphalt milling is an effective, sustainable, and economical way to renew roads, parking lots, and driveways. Beyond preserving materials and the environment, milling brings all of the benefits of a new asphalt surface, with all of the smoothness, safety, and durability you would expect, with the old asphalt surface underneath to make sure paving goes smoothly for successful work and minimal disruption. This makes it a popular method used for maintenance and upgrading in virtually all pavement applications. With so much value in the resurfacing process, it is a crucial process in some of the best processes in modern pavement management.
FAQs
1. What is the price of 1 ton of asphalt milling?
The average cost is between $12 – $45 per ton. But factors like material cost, labor, and transportation affect the cost.
2. How much does asphalt milling take?
For a driveway, it takes around a few hours to a day, whereas roads can take up to a few days.
3. How long does asphalt milling last?
With proper care and maintenance, asphalt milling can last up to 30 years.
4. Is asphalt milling environmentally friendly?
Yes, it is eco-friendly because the recycled material is reused, reducing waste and lowering project costs.
5. What surfaces can benefit from asphalt milling?
Asphalt milling works for driveways, parking lots, streets, and highways, offering a smooth, durable, and cost-effective resurfacing option.