ASPHALT CEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Asphalt cement, commonly known as bitumen or asphalt binder, is a dark, viscous, semi-solid form of petroleum-based material that acts as the glue or binding agent in the construction of asphalt pavements. It is a crucial component of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and other asphalt applications.
Derived from crude oil, asphalt cement undergoes a refining process that removes impurities, leaving behind a highly viscous material with excellent adhesive properties. It has a high molecular weight and is primarily composed of hydrocarbons. The consistency of asphalt cement can vary from a thick, sticky paste to a harder consistency at lower temperatures.
Asphalt cement is typically heated to a liquid state before being mixed with aggregates, such as crushed stone, sand, or gravel, to produce asphalt concrete used in road construction. Once the hot mix asphalt mixture is laid and compacted, the asphalt cement cools down and solidifies, providing strength and durability to the asphalt pavement.
The key properties of asphalt cement include its viscosity, which determines its flow characteristics at different temperatures; its adhesiveness, which allows it to stick to various aggregate particles; and its ability to provide elasticity and flexibility to withstand traffic loads and resist cracking. Additionally, asphalt cement exhibits waterproofing properties, protecting the underlying layers from moisture damage.
Asphalt cement is widely used for constructing roads, highways, airport runways, parking lots, and various pavement surfaces due to its exceptional binding and waterproofing capabilities. Its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it an essential material in the construction industry.
Common Misspellings for ASPHALT CEMENT
- zsphalt cement
- ssphalt cement
- wsphalt cement
- qsphalt cement
- aaphalt cement
- azphalt cement
- axphalt cement
- adphalt cement
- aephalt cement
- awphalt cement
- asohalt cement
- aslhalt cement
- as0halt cement
- aspgalt cement
- aspbalt cement
- aspnalt cement
- aspjalt cement
- aspualt cement
- aspyalt cement
- asphzlt cement
Etymology of ASPHALT CEMENT
The word "asphalt" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Ancient Greek word "asphaltos" (ἄσφαλτος), which means "secure" or "unshakable". This Greek word was derived from the verb "sphallein" (σφάλλειν), which means "to make fall" or "to cause to stumble". The word "asphaltos" referred to a natural form of bitumen, a sticky and viscous substance found in nature.
The word "cement" has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin word "caementum", which means "quarry stone". In ancient times, this term was used to describe a powdered substance made by crushing rocks and mixing it with water to form a thick paste. This paste was used as a building material for creating walls and structures.
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