What are the different types of asphalt surfacing and how does asphalt preservation keep them in better condition for longer?
There are four main types of asphalt surface types used on roads in the UK. Asphalt materials have successfully been applied to all classes of roads, from single-track, unclassified roads to national high-speed motorways. These are:
- Asphalt Concrete (AC) – a continuously graded mixture of mineral aggregate, filler and bituminous binder which forms an interlocking structure. AC mixes tend to have lower binder contents and do not offer any high speed surface macro texture so are generally suited to lower traffic and lower speed roads.
- Thin Surface Course System (TSCS) – paver laid surface course materials based on SMA mixes, installed between 15 and 50mm thick. TSCS mixes have a high binder content and the surface macro texture is designed within the mixture making it suitable for high speed roads. The mechanical interlock of the high stone content also makes it more rut resistant. MCHW CL.942 TSCS comes with a 5 year guarantee.
- Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) – a very high stone content, gap-graded mixture with high binder content. As with TSCS, the surface texture can be designed within the mix but a lower texture depth design can increase durability. Longer life SMA materials such as TS2010 and the WG SMA designs are based on this.
- Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA) – a dense low void mixture of mineral filler, sand and bitumen into which a coarse aggregate is added. It is a gap-graded material, and the mechanical properties are dominated by the mortar. It can rut under heavy traffic loadings. Coated chippings may be applied to achieve a high surface texture.
RHINOPHALT® is the original, authentic and trusted source of asphalt preservation in several sectors including local and strategic roads, bridges, airports and test tracks.
The MPA and ADEPT have previously considered the service life of carriageways when they were designed and constructed correctly based on standard pavement design. It is expected that the characteristic life of the entire network in the appropriate application will reflect these service lives.
On trunk roads, the default surface course is, in most cases, a Thin Surface Course System (TSCS). However, some road operators continue to specify chipped HRA. This is because it is believed that the lifespan of HRA surface course can be significantly better than that of TSCS.
A detailed study undertaken by TRL (Nicholls et al., 2010) states in section 2.5.1.1 of the report that a TSCS will last for, on average, 12–13 years (for thin asphalt concretes with 0/14 and 0/10 mm gradings, generally with polymer modified bitumen). A chipped HRA surface course is expected to have a lifespan of around 18 years according to the ICE Manual of Highway Design and Management, which states a range of 14–24 years.
In Europe, and indeed in other places around the world, in countries such as Germany for example, the SMA tends to be denser, higher binder contents and lower texture. They also use Open Graded Asphalt (OPA) to reduce water spray and for noise reduction. In France, they use BBTM (Béton Bitumineuse Très Mince) and in the Netherlands they use SMA on local roads and Double Layer (ZOAB) on high-speed roads.
Road surfaces naturally degrade over time due to traffic wear, weathering, and environmental exposure. But here’s the good news: with proper preservation strategies, we can significantly extend the lifespan of our roads — delaying costly resurfacing and minimising disruptions.
RHINOPHALT® is the original, authentic and trusted source of asphalt preservation in several sectors including local and strategic roads, bridges, airports and test tracks. The product carries not only a BBA HAPAS certificate but also a UKCA/CE Mark, demonstrating its consistent product quality and delivery whenever it is applied.
RHINOPHALT® asphalt preservation approximately 10% the cost of resurfacing.
RHINOPHALT® is on the rise in the UK with many local authorities using it to keep their roads in green and light amber condition for longer. It also provides an ideal solution for councils as sustainability challenges remain at the forefront of their agendas, with it providing more than 90% in carbon savings compared to traditional asphalt resurfacing.
RHINOPHALT® is ideal for preventing potholes from forming in the first place. It contains Gilsonite, which is a natural bitumen and powerful antioxidant.
As well as all types of roads, including the M40, RHINOPHALT® asphalt preservation has also been successfully applied to bridges, airports and test tracks around the world.
It can double the asphalt surface course service life of a road for half the cost compared to resurfacing, therefore reducing the demand for reactive maintenance, with fewer potholes and less claims. It preserves, protects and extends the life of the asphalt infrastructure and is proven to withstand all extreme climatic conditions.
RHINOPHALT® asphalt preservation approximately 10% the cost of resurfacing. With repeat application you can prolong the need to resurface your road even further by extending the life of the surface well into the future, meaning the cost of resurfacing can be diverted to other maintenance priorities.
