Concrete Roads Vs Asphalt Roads
There is no simple answer to this question of which road is better. Because there are different purposes for concrete and asphalt roads.
When trying to choose between them it is important to consider the specifics of the project first. So in this article, I will give you a quick comparison between asphalt roads and concrete roads.
Difference Between Concrete Road And Asphalt Road
1. Durability
Concrete roads have a long service life span of 20-40 years on average, whereas the life span of asphalt roads is 10 years.
2. Maintenance
Though concrete provides more longevity and requires less maintenance, repairing it is the biggest problem. Wholes or cracks can’t be simply patched, instead, the whole slab needs to be replaced.
As asphalt doesn’t last for a long time, it requires frequent repairing. Though repairing and maintenance are easier than concrete roads. Patching and relayering over the old layer is easily possible.
3. Resistance
Concrete road is more resistant as compared to asphalt road. They don’t get damaged by leaking oils from the vehicle and other extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, flood, extreme heat, etc.
Asphalt roads get damaged by heavy rain, flood, and other extreme weather conditions and require frequent repairing.
4. Fuel Consumption Of Vehicles
Vehicles running over concrete roads consume 15-20% less fuel than asphalt roads. They are also better for high truck volume because they hold up better under weight and pressure.
5. Safety
Asphalt is quieter than concrete. Though it provides a smooth drive to vehicles due to better traction and skid resistance. It also helps to keep roads free from snow and ice. But in the rainy and winter seasons, vehicles tend to slip and slide on concrete roads.
6. Cost
The cost of concrete roads is higher than asphalt roads.
7. Time
The concrete must be allowed to cure and gain strength over time before vehicles may run on it. If you have a situation where traffic needs to get on the road quickly asphalt will be a better choice. Vehicles can run over it on the same day of paving.
8. Effect On the Environment
Concrete roads are environment friendly whereas, Asphalt produces harmful greenhouse gasses when melting for paving. It contributes to environmental pollution.
Conclusion
Concrete roads are highly durable, costly, and environmentally friendly, requiring less maintenance and having repair problems. They are ideal for new roads and road expansion in urban areas and underground utility repair.
Asphalt roads are less costly, easily repairable, and require frequent maintenance. It also provides little better safety and requires less time to build. These roads are ideal for rural areas.
Source: NBM&CW
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Very interesting technical write-up but understandable even by a non-technical person.