Asphalt vs. Pavement — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 15, 2024
Asphalt is a specific type of pavement material made from aggregate and bitumen, primarily used for road surfacing due to its durability and black color. Pavement is any outdoor surface constructed for vehicular or pedestrian use.
Difference Between Asphalt and Pavement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Asphalt is composed of a mixture of aggregate (like gravel and sand) and bitumen, a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid. Whereas pavement can be made from various materials including asphalt, concrete, stones, and bricks, depending on the required usage and aesthetic considerations.
Asphalt provides a smooth and durable surface that is ideal for highways and airport runways due to its ability to withstand heavy loads. On the other hand, pavement materials like concrete are preferred in areas requiring less flexibility and more rigidity, such as residential driveways and sidewalks.
Asphalt is known for its cost-effectiveness and relatively quick installation process, making it a popular choice for many municipal budgets. Whereas pavement choices like concrete can be more expensive and take longer to cure, but may offer longer lifespan under certain conditions.
Asphalt requires periodic maintenance such as sealing and resurfacing to manage cracks and weather damage. In contrast, pavement types such as brick or stone pavers can be more durable over time but may require different maintenance like resetting or cleaning.
Asphalt absorbs heat and can contribute to urban heat islands, making it less environmentally friendly in hot climates. Conversely, pavement options like permeable concrete allow water to pass through, reducing runoff and improving stormwater management.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Aggregate and bitumen
Various materials (concrete, bricks, stones)
Installation Time
Quick, sets within days
Varies by material; concrete takes longer
Maintenance
Requires sealing and resurfacing
Depends on material; may need less frequent
Cost
Generally less expensive
Can be more expensive depending on material
Environmental Impact
Heat-absorbing, contributes to heat islands
Permeable options available, better for runoff
Compare with Definitions
Asphalt
A mixture used for surfacing roads, parking lots, and airports.
Fresh asphalt was laid down to repair the potholes.
Pavement
Often used in public, commercial, and residential areas.
Slip-resistant pavement was installed in the pedestrian zones.
Asphalt
A sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum.
The city used asphalt to pave the new highway.
Pavement
The surface material laid down on an area intended to sustain vehicular or foot traffic.
The pavement outside the school was redone with colorful tiles.
Asphalt
Requires maintenance like sealing to prevent cracks.
The maintenance crew scheduled asphalt sealing for next week.
Pavement
Can consist of materials such as concrete, bricks, or asphalt.
The new shopping center features cobblestone pavement.
Asphalt
Known for its durability and black color.
Asphalt's black color can get very hot in the summer sun.
Pavement
Maintenance varies depending on the type of material used.
The brick pavement in the park requires repositioning of dislodged bricks.
Asphalt
Often recycled to make new roads.
Recycled asphalt reduces waste and cuts construction costs.
Pavement
Reflects urban design and functionality.
Pavement design considerations include aesthetic appeal and durability.
Asphalt
Asphalt, also known as bitumen (UK: , US: ), is a sticky, black, highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product, and is classed as a pitch.
Pavement
A hard smooth surface, especially of a public area or thoroughfare, that will bear travel.
Asphalt
A mixture of dark bituminous pitch with sand or gravel, used for surfacing roads, flooring, roofing, etc.
Pavement
The material with which such a surface is made.
Asphalt
Surface with asphalt.
Pavement
Chiefly British A sidewalk.
Asphalt
See bitumen.
Pavement
A paved surface; a hard covering on the ground.
Asphalt
A mixture of bitumen with crushed stone gravel or sand, used for paving or roofing.
Pavement
A paved path, for the use of pedestrians, located at the side of a road.
Asphalt
To pave or coat with asphalt.
Pavement
A paving (paved part) of a road or other thoroughfare; the roadway or road surface.
Asphalt
A sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid, composed almost entirely of bitumen, that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits.
Pavement
The paved part of an area other than a road or sidewalk, such as a cobblestone plaza, asphalt schoolyard or playground, or parking lot.
Asphalt
Ellipsis of asphalt concrete, a hard ground covering used for roads and walkways.
Pavement
(architecture) The interior flooring of a church sanctuary, between the communion rail and the altar.
Asphalt
(transitive) To pave with asphalt.
Pavement
That with which anything is paved; a floor or covering of solid material, laid so as to make a hard and convenient surface for travel; a paved road or sidewalk; a decorative interior floor of tiles or colored bricks.
The riches of heaven's pavement, trodden gold.
Asphalt
Mineral pitch, Jews' pitch, or compact native bitumen. It is brittle, of a black or brown color and high luster on a surface of fracture; it melts and burns when heated, leaving no residue. It occurs on the surface and shores of the Dead Sea, which is therefore called Asphaltites, or the Asphaltic Lake. It is found also in many parts of Asia, Europe, and America. See Bitumen.
Pavement
To furnish with a pavement; to pave.
Asphalt
A composition of bitumen, pitch, lime, and gravel, used for forming pavements, and as a water-proof cement for bridges, roofs, etc.; asphaltic cement. Artificial asphalt is prepared from coal tar, lime, sand, etc.
Pavement
The paved surface of a thoroughfare
Asphalt
To cover with asphalt; as, to asphalt a roof; asphalted streets.
Pavement
Material used to pave an area
Asphalt
Mixed asphalt and crushed gravel or sand; used especially for paving but also for roofing
Pavement
Walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway
Asphalt
A dark bituminous substance found in natural beds and as residue from petroleum distillation; consists mainly of hydrocarbons
Asphalt
Cover with tar or asphalt;
Asphalt the driveway
Common Curiosities
Can pavement materials affect environmental conditions?
Yes, materials like traditional asphalt can increase urban heat, while permeable pavement options can improve water runoff and reduce heat.
Why is asphalt preferred for roads?
Asphalt is flexible, withstands extreme weather conditions, and is economically viable, making it suitable for roads.
How is pavement different from asphalt?
Pavement refers to any type of hard surface laid on the ground for traffic, which can include asphalt, concrete, bricks, etc., whereas asphalt specifically refers to a mixture used primarily for road surfacing.
What is asphalt made of?
Asphalt is made of aggregate like sand and gravel, mixed with bitumen, a byproduct of petroleum.
How does the cost of brick pavement compare to asphalt?
Brick pavement can be significantly more expensive than asphalt both in terms of materials and installation, but it offers aesthetic appeal and potentially longer durability without frequent resurfacing.
How often does asphalt need maintenance?
Asphalt typically needs maintenance every 3 to 5 years to seal cracks and repair surface damage.
What is the lifespan of an asphalt pavement?
The lifespan of asphalt pavement typically ranges from 15 to 20 years, depending on the volume of traffic, maintenance, and local climate conditions.
What are the common uses of asphalt?
Asphalt is primarily used for constructing and resurfacing roads, parking lots, and airport runways due to its durability and smooth finish.
Is asphalt environmentally friendly?
Asphalt itself is less environmentally friendly due to its contribution to urban heat islands and the use of petroleum products; however, it is often recycled which mitigates some environmental impact.
What are the benefits of using concrete pavement over asphalt?
Concrete pavement generally lasts longer than asphalt, requires less frequent maintenance, and can better handle certain loads, making it suitable for industrial areas and some roads.
Can pavement materials be customized for visual appeal?
Yes, materials like pavers, stamped concrete, and dyed asphalt can be customized for color and pattern to enhance visual appeal.
How does maintenance differ between asphalt and concrete pavement?
Asphalt requires periodic sealing and patching to maintain its integrity, while concrete might need sealing less frequently but can require costly repairs if severely cracked or upheaved.
What type of pavement is best for residential areas?
Residential areas often benefit from concrete or paver stones, which provide a balance between durability, aesthetic quality, and cost-efficiency.
Are there innovative developments in pavement technology?
Innovations in pavement technology include permeable pavements for better water management, solar-reflective coatings to reduce heat absorption, and even energy-generating pavements that capture kinetic energy from vehicles.
How does weather affect the choice of pavement material?
In areas with severe winters, asphalt may be preferred as it can more easily expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking, unlike concrete.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
