Industrial Pavements and Traffic Loads Made Simple
Industrial pavement in Atlanta is not the same as your garden-variety parking lot or driveway. Paving for industrial manufacturing and warehouses must support significantly more weight. Thus, they require more precise engineering. The Surface Masters builds industrial surfaces for clients throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas. We also have a location in Fort Myers to serve those in Southwest Florida. Here’s what you need to know about industrial pavements and traffic loads.
Why Do Industrial Pavements and Traffic Loads Matter?
Asphalt paving for industrial properties needs to support several tons of weight. They serve heavy-duty vehicles, multi-ton transport trucks, manufacturing equipment, and non-stop daily traffic. Without adequate support and load-bearing capabilities, it’s only a matter of time before surfaces fail.
Industrial pavement in Atlanta can suffer catastrophic issues if not properly engineered and expertly built. Excessive weight can cause cracking, rutting, and surface raveling. In the worst-case scenario, poorly built paving for industrial manufacturing can buckle under the weight of equipment, putting employees at risk.
All paved surfaces need a strong, reliable foundation, but that’s especially true for industrial asphalt paving in Atlanta. Contractors must design and build the pavement based on your intended use. Otherwise, you’ll deal with constant damage, growing safety concerns, and pricey repairs.
What Is the Load-Bearing Capacity of Paving for Industrial Manufacturing?
Simply put, the load-bearing capacity of asphalt paving is the amount of weight it can support before failing. It’s how much weight and traffic a surface can support before it starts to suffer problems.
Load-bearing capacities can vary widely depending on the engineering and purpose. Residential asphalt paving typically supports about 4 tons of load across its surface, which is plenty for standard passenger vehicles. However, asphalt paving for industrial properties can support loads of 10 tons or more. That’s over 20,000 pounds!
What Factors Affect the Design of Industrial Pavements and Traffic Loads?
Many fine details affect the load-bearing capacity of asphalt paving in Atlanta. The factors that have the biggest impact include:
• Subgrade Strength and Soil Conditions: The quality of the soil beneath asphalt paving in Atlanta affects its strength and stability. An experienced Southeast paving contractor will amend and compact the soil to improve its density and load-bearing capabilities.
• Paving Material: The type of material used for paving also comes into play. Concrete, asphalt, and interlocking pavers all handle stress and pressure differently.
• Asphalt Paving Thickness: Overall thickness affects how pavements distribute weight. Generally, industrial pavement in Atlanta is considerably thicker for added strength.
How Do Southeast Paving Contractors Use Different Asphalt Courses to Build Up Pavement Strength?
Many view asphalt paving in Atlanta as a single layer of material. However, the best Southeast paving contractors will lay different asphalt courses to give the finished surface the strength it needs.
The first layer is the subgrade. Contractors will conduct comprehensive soil tests and use the findings to precisely amend the subgrade. Next comes the subbase. This layer of crushed stone aggregate helps spread traffic loads evenly across the pavement.
The base course is a stronger layer of asphalt that adds stability. Finally, there’s the surface layer you see. The surface course is the finished layer that makes direct contact with vehicle wheels.
At The Surface Masters, we specialize in commercial and industrial paving. We have years of experience in asphalt paving for industrial properties and strong project management skills to deliver capital improvements that make a difference. In addition to asphalt paving, our team is ready and eager to tackle projects involving milling, reclamation, repairs, resurfacing, sealcoating, pavement markings, crack sealing, concrete curbing, and more.
Our team is standing by to discuss your needs and provide a free project quote. Get yours today by calling The Surface Masters at (770) 670-7857, emailing Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com, or submitting your information through our online form.
