Specific Weight of Asphalt in 1 m3: Weight of One Cubic Meter
Asphalt is a multicomponent mixture in which every part is important for a high-quality road surface. The main component is crushed stone: it forms a strong and stable framework, binding all parts into a single mass. Pavements for large, heavily loaded roads often contain up to 75% crushed stone.
In some cases an asphalt pavement does not require a very high density. For pedestrian sidewalks and roads used by passenger cars, sand is usually used. Together with crushed stone, sand acts as a binding component. Coarse granite sand is used for road paving. Other types of sand, such as river or soil sand, are not suitable because they significantly reduce adhesion to the surface and contribute to the spreading of the asphalt pavement. This happens because of the high content of various impurities.
Another important component of asphalt is limestone, or more precisely mineral powders based on it. Thanks to their properties, the substances bind together and form a monolithic structure. One useful property of mineral powders is the reduction of ground vibrations in places especially affected by such processes, such as tunnels and bridges.
The flowability of asphalt pavement is provided by a small bitumen content, usually from 5 to 10%. Its ability to flow under high temperatures simplifies asphalt laying and rolling. It is important to maintain the correct proportions of the components, because a high bitumen concentration can negatively affect road quality. This is especially noticeable in summer, when thermal load increases.
Asphalt Weight as a Key Factor for Proper Work Planning
To obtain a high-quality and durable road surface, it is important to calculate the specific weight of asphalt. It may vary depending on the asphalt type and composition. The table below gives values for different types of asphalt pavement.
| Type of asphalt pavement | Unit of measurement | Weight in 1 m3 |
| Natural asphalt | kg | 1100 |
| Mastic asphalt | kg | 1500 |
| Compacted asphalt | kg | 2000 |
| Asphalt concrete | kg | 2000 - 2450 |
| Fine-grained asphalt | kg | 2330 |
| Asphalt granulate (black crushed stone) | kg | 1600 - 1800 |
| Asphalt millings | kg | 1800 - 2000 |
Quality Characteristics of Asphalt Pavement
Today there are many varieties of asphalt that differ in their properties. The most common types of asphalt pavement and their characteristics are shown in the table.
| Type of asphalt | Component features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Cold asphalt | Limestone mineral powders are used as a natural plasticizer. | Easy laying without mechanical equipment; environmentally friendly; can retain its properties in frost down to -25 °C; does not require heating before laying; strong and elastic. | - |
| Mastic asphalt | High content of plasticizer and viscous resin. | Viscous; strong; durable; resistant to chemicals and moisture; good tire grip on the road; sound insulation; fast repair of almost any surface. | Expensive equipment is required for laying. |
| Hot asphalt | 95% stone and crushed stone bound with crude petroleum products. | The most common type of classic asphalt pavement. | Requires automated equipment for compaction. |
| Colored asphalt | Use of light-colored bitumen and coloring pigments. | Noise insulation; bright color that helps mark hazardous road sections; environmentally friendly composition. | High cost, up to 5 times more expensive than ordinary asphalt. |
| Fine-grained asphalt | Includes asphalt millings up to 20 mm in size. | Resists deformation during temperature changes. | Suitable only for upper pavement layers and does not have high strength. |
| Coarse-grained asphalt | Includes asphalt millings larger than 20 mm. | Has a rigid structure. | Mainly suitable for lower pavement layers. |
| Rubberized asphalt | Contains rubber additives. | High resistance to moisture penetration and less frequent repair due to increased strength. | High purchase cost, although service life can compensate for the expense. |
See also the articles about specific weight of concrete and specific weight of aerated concrete.
When building a road, the weight of a cubic meter of asphalt is often averaged. The average density of asphalt is 1.2 t/m3.
Reuse of Removed Asphalt
To save natural mineral resources, the question of reusing asphalt is important. This method involves removing the old asphalt pavement, heating it and using it as a plastic additive in a new asphalt mixture. The possibility of covering a road entirely with reclaimed asphalt is still being studied. It should be noted that the bulk weight of asphalt after removal is quite high and amounts to 2.409 g/cm3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the density of asphalt be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for asphalt in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of asphalt differ from the table?
The actual weight of asphalt depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of asphalt from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of asphalt is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.