Blacktop is a combination of gravel, sand and asphalt while concrete is a mixture of cement, gravel and sand. Although both are entirely different products, they may be used together in layers in big construction projects. When a combination of blacktop and concrete is used, it may be referred to as blacktop concrete. Although it is a commonly referred term, the fact is that blacktop is very different from concrete and is not necessarily used with concrete always. Similarly, concrete has its own uses and advantages and is only occasionally combined with blacktop for specific projects only.
Where is blacktop used?
Blacktop is more likely to be used in building roads, bridges and even driveways in places that have cold climates. This is because blacktop has the ability to withstand salt that is mainly used to thaw ice that may collect on the surface. It is also flexible in the sense that it allows for expansion and contraction of surfaces when there is a change of season from cold weather to hot weather. This is the unique advantage that blacktop has over concrete. However blacktop can suffer damage due to sunlight and ultra-violet rays and hence is not used in places with warmer climates.
Other uses of blacktop concrete
Blacktop may get damaged due to the use of snowplows. But the potholes occurring can be easily patched using blacktop. This may not be the case with concrete. However, concrete is of more use in warmer climates. Although concrete may not be as beneficial as blacktop in cold countries, in warmer places, concrete has the best flexibility to handle sunlight and ultra-violet rays that can cause a lot of damage to blacktop.
Combination advantage
Many construction companies and contractors who are involved in big projects such as the construction of roadways and bridge decks make use of layers of both concrete and blacktop. A foundation layer of concrete of about eight inches in thickness and then a layer of blacktop of about six inch thickness. This gives a unique advantage with the combined properties of both the concrete and blacktop.
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