Road pavement and construction is usually viewed as an extremely challenging task. Whenever we are driving, and our car halts due to an area affected with road pavement, we should be grateful as we see that concrete or asphalt rolling out – infrastructural development is the need of any country in the world today.
Along with the experts, homeowners and entrepreneurs need to be aware of the road pavement and construction process. Awareness makes us enlightened, and it makes us realize how blessed we are in this interdependent society where we can rely on concrete constructors and workers to help make the roads we commute on.

Steps of the road pavement process:

1. Demolish and remove:
Firstly, to install asphalt to any surface, you need to remove what originally lay there – be it asphalt, pavers, or concrete.
Heavy machinery is utilized for the removal and demolition process before road pavement. Forklifts, Small bobcats, front loaders, and sometimes, even large dump trucks are required for this task.
Debris removal is an integral part of most processes. Some companies recycle the earlier used asphalt and concrete in large asphalt plants. This saves wastage and turns waste into stable, reusable asphalt.
It is undoubtedly a good step and an attempt towards a green and environmentally friendly world.
2. Sloping and Grading:
With a fresh slate, professionals make use of technology and work on the preparation of the surface for adequate drainage of water.
It’s necessary to use automatic motor graders and laser-guided transits for grading of the surface. This process ensures proper water run-off.
Potholes, heaving, and road cracking are mostly caused due to poor water drainage. Hence, this step requires a lot of attention and focus.
3. Preparing the Sub Base:
We never realize how integral this part is in the entire road pavement process. However, the preparation of the sub-base is an essential part as the sub-base supports the road pavement by providing a stable surface. In winters, it acts as a barrier for frost to develop. Notably, in extreme winters where damage is caused due to freezing and then thawing.
While the installation is going on, the thickness and stability of the base, along with its compaction, are some critical steps. You will not get a long-lasting road, and the durability will be just a few years if the sub-base is not rightly compacted.
4. Proof Roll, Undercut, and Repair Sub Base:
After the sub base is thoroughly graded and compacted, proof rolling is done to make sure the surface is stable and robust enough to support the new asphalt. This step includes moving a truck loaded with 72,000 pounds, row after row over the entire surface.
Gravel that flexes over an inch under the truck’s weight depicts that its base isn’t adequately supported.
If there are any soft areas in the sub-base, repairing it is necessary.
Undercutting is a process that repairs soft spots. In it, professionals dig around 2 to 3 feet below the surface and replace any soft soil or clay with a stronger material.
Plowing is another process that undercuts the sub-base but mixes soft clay or soil to an added aggregate to strengthen the affected areas.
5. Binding and Surface course:
After laying the sub base and any weak areas are repaired, it is now time for the binder to be added to the sub-base. The binder layer is exceptionally durable and robust, as it is a considerable aggregate amalgamated with oil. This secure layer proves to be the strength of the road pavement process.
6. Installation of the New Asphalt Surface:
After making sure the base is strong, now a fresh layer of asphalt is added on top to provide a stress-free, smooth ride. This layer of surface asphalt in the road pavement is made up of sand, oil, and small aggregate.
This combination of sand, soil, and sand aggregate provide shiny black asphalt which, if installed correctly, will ensure an attractive and finished road.
7. Transitions and Butt Joints:
Mostly, all roads paved connect to existing roads, driveways, and parking lots. Therefore, it is quite a task for the professionals to create a smooth transition between the old surfaces and the new ones.
Butt joints are the places where the previously constructed road meets the newly paved road.
These transitional points need to be focused as this is one place where you require appropriate grading and water run-off.
8. Roll it finally:
After laying the butt joints and asphalt, the whole surface needs to be smoothened and compacted.
This process is done with the help of a roller truck. It is a step taken to ensure there are no soft or small bumps, or there’s no stone left in the new surface.

Road Paving seems like a dangerous job, and it is! It can only be done by thorough professionals and experts, who understand, plan, and then execute the paving with strategies, labor, and patience. The fact is the right road paving contractor will always follow these installation steps to provide safety and durability of the road around your home and in your city.