DIYbanter - View Single Post

In article ,
says...

I believe that a bitumen surface is applying a mix of small gravel and
bitumen, an asphalt surface is bitumen mixed with a wide range of
particle sizes( like a concrete mix). Asphalt is ideally applied as a
much thicker layer, with a much heavier roller as it is a less flexible
mix, but takes greater loadings. IME, both are poor surfaces compared
with concrete.

??

Haven't seen them building concrete roads in years. They were usually an
un-mitigated disaster.

Asphalt in particular suffers from surface "heave" if the
subsoil/base is not stable.

Concrete will crack in similar circumstances. Once it cracks and rain
gets in, followed by frost, its well on its way to Valhalla.

I think they are both ugly but the alternative of gravel drove me nuts.

Some years back we replaced gravel (P.I.A.) with what I think the
installer caled tarmacadam. He gave me the impression asphalt was very
heavy duty applications,and mostly suitable for roads, bit of an over
kill for drives.

Bitumen to him was something cowboys specialised in.

Whatever he used for us it is standing up beautifully.
--
Paul Mc Cann