WHAT IS EQUAL?

Several factors must be included when deciding if concrete or asphalt is more suitable.  See the chart for comparisons to see what is equal between concrete and asphalt (subgrade conditions also play a major role).

If you click on the image to the left you will review a side by side layout of what will be summarized and explained further. There is a considerable cost difference between the two but longevity and serviceability will become just a few factors that must be included in the final decision.  Bill Houston Concrete Construction Services, Inc. is always happy to provide detailed answers to all your concrete questions.

A typical concrete section of  4″ PC Concrete 4″ X 0.50 = 2.00 with compacted earth is equal to a blacktop section of 1.5″ Blacktop 1.5″ X 0.40 = 0.60 and 10″ of crushed stone at 10″ X 0.14 = 1.40 both with S.N. 2.00

A typical concrete section of 5″ PC Concrete 5″ X 0.50 = 2.50 with compacted earth is equal to a blacktop section of 1.5″ Blacktop 1.5″ X 0.40 = 0.60 and 13.6″ of crushed stone at 13.6″ X 0.14 = 1.90 both with S.N. 2.50

A typical concrete section of 6″ PC Concrete 6″ X 0.50 = 3.00 with compacted earth is equal to a blacktop of 4″ Blacktop 4″ X 0.40 = 1.60 and 10″of crushed stone at 10″ X 0.14 = 1.40 both with S.N. 3.000

Material                 “Equivalent Structual Number (S.N.) per Inch of Pavement”
Asphaltic Concrete (Asphalt)                                      0.4
Bituminous Aggregate Base                                        0.35
Crushed Stone Base                                                      0.14
Snad-Gravel Base                                                           0.11
Portland Cement Concrete                                          0.5

Both have their advantages, but the climate along with many other factors will dictate which type of paving will be best for your project.

Concrete is much more durable making it the best choice to use in hot or warmer climate conditions.   Concrete lasts longer but cracks are very common due to temperature changes and soil shifting.

Asphalt is basically a wearing surface and requires some type of stabilized subgrade.  In hot and warmer climate conditions asphalt will be negatively affected  from heavy loads, tire ruts and motorcycle kickstands.

Generally speaking it is always advisable to have a soil test done with engineer recommendations on what type of subgrade preparation is best and what type of paving material is best for a particular job.