paulsharvey
Elite Member
Some comparing of the pros and cons of asphaltic concrete vs Portland cement concrete:
Pros:
Concrete: wear and weather resistance, no base needed (just good clean, compact subgrade); no special equipment need to form/pour
Asphalt: cost, speed, the ability to tack and resurface, or mill and resurface; tends to not drastically heave when it cracks; moderate bump; smooth ride; immediately drivable
Cons:
Concrete: cost, worse ride quality, much more difficult to do major repairs; min 24-48 hrs after piur till you can drive (atleast 7 days for heavy vehicles); not affected by spills/chemicals
Asphalt: fewer contractors/suppliers; shorter 7-14 year life span (can easily be much more for residential); large equipment needed; chemical (petroluem) can/will damage asphalt;
The mobilzation on asphalt is a significant cost, making it expensive in small quantities; but getting cheaper as the job gets larger. Concrete requires almost zero real mobilzation. 3 guys can easily form and pour a typical residential drive in 1 or 2 days; with zero equipment.
Pros:
Concrete: wear and weather resistance, no base needed (just good clean, compact subgrade); no special equipment need to form/pour
Asphalt: cost, speed, the ability to tack and resurface, or mill and resurface; tends to not drastically heave when it cracks; moderate bump; smooth ride; immediately drivable
Cons:
Concrete: cost, worse ride quality, much more difficult to do major repairs; min 24-48 hrs after piur till you can drive (atleast 7 days for heavy vehicles); not affected by spills/chemicals
Asphalt: fewer contractors/suppliers; shorter 7-14 year life span (can easily be much more for residential); large equipment needed; chemical (petroluem) can/will damage asphalt;
The mobilzation on asphalt is a significant cost, making it expensive in small quantities; but getting cheaper as the job gets larger. Concrete requires almost zero real mobilzation. 3 guys can easily form and pour a typical residential drive in 1 or 2 days; with zero equipment.