Anyone know about new asphalt?

gimpy · #1 09/19/07, 02:59 PM

I'm trying to determine If this is a simple misunderstanding or that I've been cheated. Our gravel driveway was paved over the last several days, graded, densegrade and then asphalt. I understood that the asphalt would be 4 inches thick and when I measured it after they said it was done then they said it was supposed to be "2 on 2" meaning 2 inches of densegrade (pug) and 2 inches of asphalt. It looks good, but is it strong enough to do the job and is it what I am paying for?

65284 · #2 09/19/07, 09:33 PM

Did you check out your contractor, check with the BBB, do you have anything in writing that specifies what was to be done, and how? If not you may have just learned an expesive lesson.

gimpy · #3 09/19/07, 10:06 PM

In my experience the BBB is a sham organization, complete and total waste of time. They have never been able to help in any way either before or after the fact. I did call some references, but nothing around here is actually available for online review, and people here give raving reviews of anyone who goes to "their church". The workers showed up and started a week before they were "supposed to" before anything was in writing, so there is no contract and the work is supposedly "done". I told the manager I would not pay anything without a contract. So do you know anything about asphalt contracting?

Old Vet · #4 09/19/07, 10:14 PM

is it strong enough to do the job

It depends. If you are runing 18 whelers over it then no. If you are useing it only for a drive way then yes. What is the largest thing you will be dirving over it?

is it what I am paying for?
That is another question. It depends on the work and materials used and the price you agreed on. If you were to use 4 inches of asphault on bare dround it will not be as strong as 2 inches of asphault over 2 inches of densegrade. The base is what holdes the weight and the asphult will only make it waterproof.

Up North · #5 09/20/07, 12:31 AM

Forward a PM to username cornykid. They know asphalt.

OkieDavid · #6 09/20/07, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Vet

is it strong enough to do the job

It depends. If you are runing 18 whelers over it then no. If you are useing it only for a drive way then yes. What is the largest thing you will be dirving over it?

is it what I am paying for?
That is another question. It depends on the work and materials used and the price you agreed on. If you were to use 4 inches of asphault on bare dround it will not be as strong as 2 inches of asphault over 2 inches of densegrade. The base is what holdes the weight and the asphult will only make it waterproof.

Couldn't agree more.....In fact I'm not sure a six or eight inch overlay on unprepped base would last. Roadwork is ALL about the base. Here in Oklahoma it is not uncommon for the County to repair damaged sections/pothole by simply pouring more asphault on top. In some cases these patches can be several inches thick. After a rain season they are just bigger potholes.....
We routinely get by in public recreation areas with a 2inch overlay on top of a properly prepared base. Done correctly, the road will easily support passenger vehicles towing campers, boats and larger recreation vehicles. I will say that a two inch overlay will NOT support a turning school bus or trash truck......

gimpy · #7 09/20/07, 07:40 AM

I believe the base was good since the old gravel road was compacted like rock, and stood by itself for 10 years. the only reason for paving was it was starting to get divits from UPS truck slipping a little on the gravel and spinning wheels. My health is such that I could no longer maintain it and we could not afford concrete. About once a year we will proabably have a flatbed of hay brought over it, but not park on it and every few years a gravel truck to deliver and spread on the flat of the driveway. I know not to order those things when it's over 100F, so I figured not over 90F. No garbage trucks or school buses

mink · #8 09/20/07, 08:13 AM

i work for a highway dept. 2 inches of dense binder and 2 inches of top is the standard for county and town roads up here in new york....mink

fantasymaker · #9 09/20/07, 10:03 AM

There really isnt any strength is asphalt you can eaily break a 8 inch thick chunk with your hands.
Its all in the sub grade.
Think on this a dirt road will support a 200 ton dump truck with no problem,
IF ITS DRY!
So thats the key, as long as the drive has good drainage to get the water away from it the asphalt ( or road oil) is just a big umbrella.
The thickness of the overlay helps it deal with horisontal stress like the twisting of tandum axles and the torque of tires excelerating or braking.
COMPACTION is critacal both to the subgrade and to the water repelancy of the overlay Id want a 97% minumum on 4 inches of asphalt.

gimpy · #10 09/20/07, 10:55 AM

Thanks all, where this is, water should not be a problem, nor should there ever be anyone parking on it.