1. It's Ancient
Asphalt has been around for ages. The Babylonians were using it for roads and waterproofing as early as 625 B.C.!
2. Natural Asphalt Lakes
Believe it or not, there are natural lakes full of asphalt. The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles and Pitch Lake in Trinidad and Tobago are prime examples, and they've existed for thousands of years.
3. Highly Recyclable
Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Over 90% of old asphalt is reused in new projects, making it exceptionally eco-friendly.
4. Temperature Sensitive
Asphalt reacts to the weather. It softens in hot temperatures and can become brittle and crack when it’s cold.
5. Asphalt vs. Bitumen
These terms often get confused. Bitumen is the sticky substance that comes from refining crude oil and is used as the binder in asphalt.
6. Quick to Lay
One of the great advantages of asphalt is how quickly it can be laid. A new road can often be paved and ready for traffic within a day, minimising disruptions.
7. Used in Art
Asphalt isn’t just for roads. Artists have used it for sculptures and paintings because of its unique texture and colour.
8. Noise Reduction
Asphalt can help make cities quieter. Certain types of asphalt can absorb noise from tyres, making them perfect for busy urban areas.
9. It Gets Hot
Asphalt absorbs heat from the sun, which can make cities hotter (known as the urban heat island effect). But now, "cool pavements" are being developed to reflect more sunlight and keep things cooler.
10. More Than Just Roads
Asphalt is incredibly versatile. It's used for airport runways, racetracks, and even as roofing material because it’s excellent at keeping water out.
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