Asphalt Day is an annual celebration of asphalt’s sustainability, resiliency, and importance as a building material.
It’s a remarkable material, and something we can all be proud to work with. Specifically, asphalt is:
- Recyclable: Asphalt is the most recycled material in America. Each year, about 100 million tons of asphalt pavement material is reclaimed, and over 95% of that total is recycled or reused, making it a leader in sustainable infrastructure materials.
- Durable and long-lasting: Asphalt pavements can be designed as Perpetual Pavements, which are constructed to last indefinitely without requiring major structural rehabilitation. Only the surface needs periodic maintenance, ensuring a long-lasting pavement solution.
- Quiet: New asphalt technologies have developed pavements that reduce highway noise by absorbing sound rather than reflecting it. This makes for quieter communities and more peaceful environments around busy roads.
- Filterable: Porous asphalt pavements allow rainwater to infiltrate the surface, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater supplies. This helps to manage stormwater effectively and improves water quality by filtering pollutants.
- Safe: Asphalt provides safer driving experiences due to its smooth and consistent surface, which offers superior contact with vehicle tires. Open-graded asphalt surfaces are particularly effective in reducing splash and spray during rainstorms, thereby enhancing visibility and reducing accidents during wet conditions.
These facts highlight the versatility, sustainability, and essential role that asphalt plays in modern infrastructure – perfect for celebrating National Asphalt Day!