Asphalt is a cost-effective material used to build driveways, roads, and parking lots. It is a long-lasting paving material that needs little care. When using asphalt for your driveway, it is essential to determine how much weight it can support before installing one.
Asphalt pavement can be negatively affected by heavy trucks. Heavy trucks can cause rutting and pavement degradation along the wheel path. It can significantly decrease the lifespan and durability of your asphalt driveway. That’s why a residential driveway is not suitable for heavy trucks.
This article will talk about weight as one of the biggest enemies of asphalt driveways. It will also discuss how much asphalt driveways can hold.
Weight is an Enemy of Asphalt Pavement
Pavement fatigue has resulted from gradual damage caused by continued exposure to heavy loads. Asphalt bends like other materials. It can be stressed and strained to the breakpoint.
Pavement bends can cause damage to its layers, which may lead to surface cracking. It could lead to moisture getting into the asphalt’s base. If moisture persists in the asphalt base, fatigue can increase and eventually fail.
The most damage is seen in areas where heavy trucks drive slowly, stop or slow down, as well as where vehicles might be parked.
Therefore, it is essential to determine how much weight you can safely trust to be on your driveway.
How Much Weight Can a Residential Asphalt Driveway Hold?
Asphalt’s weight-bearing ability is determined by its thickness. An asphalt driveway for residential use can hold approximately 8,000 pounds. Most residential driveways require 2″ to 3″ of asphalt for daily use. A granular-based aggregate of 6″ to 8″ must be under the asphalt.
It would be best to consider the asphalt thickness and how it is laid when installing an asphalt driveway that can support the weight of your cars. Your cars’ load could be supported by the asphalt’s thickness and how it is laid on the road. The size of the asphalt should be determined by the quantity of asphalt required to support your vehicle.
Thus, what is the maximum weight capacity of a residential asphalt driveway? The preparation and installation of an asphalt driveway will determine how much weight it can support. However, an asphalt driveway can only hold a specific pound per square foot before it buckles or sinks. When installing a driveway, homeowners should take these steps to guarantee that the asphalt surface can hold the weight of their automobiles and trucks.
Factors That Affect the Load-Bearing Capacity of A Driveway
Residential driveways are generally not designed to carry the same heavy load as commercial driveways. Without knowing the details of the driveway, it is difficult to determine the load-bearing capacity of a driveway. These are some factors that can affect the driveway’s load-bearing ability:
Capacity
A driveway’s load-bearing ability can be affected by many factors, including its foundation, soil, age, moisture content, thickness, asphalt mix, and temperature. In cold weather, load-bearing ability increases slightly.
Subgrade
A variety of factors can affect the load-bearing ability, including the subgrade. This layer can absorb any weight that is placed on the asphalt. The asphalt’s weight capacity is affected by how much it absorbs.
Moisture
Another important aspect is the asphalt’s moisture content. Asphalt driveways can absorb water over time. They will eventually soften, and cracks may appear. Sometimes, a seal coat is necessary to protect the surface from moisture and increase load-carrying ability.
The freeze-thaw effects and moisture exposure can cause a decrease in the lifespan of your pavement. A strong base will increase the road’s overall strength. A thinner pavement will likely withstand less stress and last for extended periods when subject to heavy loads.
You can prolong the life of your asphalt by maintaining it regularly. Crack filling is essential, but it’s also very cost-effective and simple. You can prevent moisture from entering your pavement’s base by filling the cracks in your pavement.
Conclusion
Even though wear and tear are inevitable in high-traffic areas, regular maintenance can help prevent premature deterioration. Your asphalt will begin to show signs of fatigue and damage if not installed correctly. It is essential to ensure that your pavement is appropriately installed based on traffic calculations and atmospheric conditions.
It is essential to understand the importance of the load capacity of your residential asphalt driveway before using it. You must ensure that the asphalt is installed correctly and using high-quality asphalt materials. Working with a trusted paving company like A-Rock Asphalt Services is a wise decision. Contact us today to learn more about our asphalt driveways and other related services.
