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Asphalt properties and uses
Short answer
Asphalt is a dark, sticky, waterproof mixture of bitumen and minerals. It is thermoplastic, highly adhesive, durable, elastic, and resists acids and weathering. Natural rock or lake asphalt is used for floors; mastic asphalt for waterproofing; hot-mix for highways; cut-back and emulsion for tack coats; asphalt felt for damp-proof courses.
Define asphalt. Give the properties and uses of (different types of) asphalt.
Asphalt is a dark brown to black, sticky, waterproof material made of bitumen mixed with mineral matter (sand, stone chips or filler). It is obtained from natural deposits or made artificially.
Types of asphalt
- Natural asphalt: Rock asphalt (porous limestone or sandstone soaked in bitumen, e.g. from Switzerland), lake asphalt (Trinidad lake) and asphaltic sand.
- Artificial (refined) asphalt: Made in plants by mixing refined bitumen with graded aggregates and filler: hot-mix asphalt, mastic asphalt, cut-back and emulsified asphalt.
Properties
- Dark colour, solid or semi-solid at normal temperature.
- Binds well to aggregate and is highly adhesive.
- Waterproof and durable under weather.
- Thermoplastic: softens when heated, hardens on cooling.
- Resists acids, alkalis and weathering; not affected by moisture.
- Elastic and flexible; does not crack easily with small movements.
- Good electrical and sound insulation; low cost.
- Burns slowly with smoke.
Uses
| Type | Uses |
|---|---|
| Rock asphalt | Road surfaces, footpaths, floors |
| Mastic asphalt | Waterproofing flat roofs, basements, tanking, floors of warehouses |
| Hot-mix asphalt | Wearing course of highways and airport runways |
| Cut-back and emulsion | Tack coat, prime coat, patching and surface dressing |
| Asphalt felt | Roofing sheets, damp-proof courses |
| Asphalt paint | Protect steel and pipes from rusting |
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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