Time and again, I always hear that concrete road is always a better option when you talk about road paving. However, I actually don’t know why is it so?
For some countries, they use asphalt because it is way cheaper than concrete. I believe that if you consider economy, then I guess asphalt would seem to be a budget-friendly choice, that if you consider the cost at the time of construction. However, if you think about longevity and stability, I believe concrete would prove to be an excellent choice.
It has been widely observed that the advantages of using concrete outweigh that of asphalt. Based on studies, rigid concrete has economic and safety benefits. It also proves to cause less harm to the environment. For these reasons, about thirty percent on the interstate highways in the United States are built with concrete.
In Canada, some provincial and municipal governments are eyeing on the use of rigid concrete on some projects. As Canada’s transportation system is facing traffic issues, the government is looking into some possible solutions and one of which is to use concrete in many cities where asphalt pavements have a tendency to rut or shove.
What are the characteristics of concrete that makes it a complete package?
The material itself
Concrete material is hard, rigid and durable thus it lasts long. It is the traditional material used in constructing buildings, bridges and many other infrastructures. It is undeniably good for roads as well.
Less Maintenance
Technically, concrete also requires less maintenance as compare to asphalt. The rigid and stable characteristics of concrete would minimize the possibilities of having potholes and will provide a surface that will not rut or shove. These days, the government would assess the materials used on roads not only on the basis of the initial costs of construction but also the lifetime cost analysis of the roadway by using the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)
Availability and Cost Efficiency
Concrete is produced locally available aggregate and manufactured products which primarily includes cement. It is in no way dependent to the supply of oil and other materials thus, stable. It is cost efficient because it has a track record which proves that the usage of concrete could really last long.
Capability to Stand the Test of Times
Evidently, concrete has also shown great resistance to changes in weather condition. In cold Canada and even in countries with humid temperature, it was observed to withstand the changing climate.
All these made me think that concrete is indeed great!
