Quiet Roads Are Paved in Asphalt

Noise pollution is a big problem in urban locations. Asphalt is the paving material of choice to reduce the sound of traffic.

There is no better way to reduce road noise than to treat the problem at its source. By paving roads and highways with asphalt the noise inside homes and businesses can be significantly reduced.

Research in the U.S. and Europe shows that a Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) or Open-Graded FrictionCourse (OGFC) mix will reduce highway noise by 3 to 5 dB(A). To the average person, this reduction is the same as doubling the distance between the source of the noise and their location.

When comparing the noise reduction that is possible by choosing asphalt pavement-up to 7 dB(A) -we see how much more practical pavement surface selection is than construction of noise barrier walls.

Here are some FAQs about road noise from the Asphalt Paving Alliance of America.

1- Do sound walls and noise barriers reduce road noise? Not always. When a noise barrier wall is constructed, there is a significant noise drop immediately behind the wall. The problem is that those buildings that are on hillsides, at intersections or driveways or anywhere there is an opening in the wall, will not benefit from noise reduction. In some cases where noise walls are built parallel to one another, noise reflections or echoes of the sound waves off the opposite wall can actually increase noise levels at a location near the highway.

2 - I live near a busy road or highway. What can I do to reduce the noise inside my home?
The best solution is to treat the noise at its source. Studies show that certain types of asphalt pavement can reduce noise significantly.

3 - Will planting trees and shrubs reduce road noise inside my home? Unfortunately, no. You would have to have over a football field of trees between your house and a road to begin reducing noise. That's a lot of planting!

4 - What is the best method for reducing road noise? Treat the road noise at its source using asphalt. Contact your local department of transportation to see what plans have been made to reduce road noise in your area.

5 - At what point does noise become painful to a human? The threshold of hearing is set at 0 dB(A). The threshold of pain is around 140 dB(A), yet long term exposure to noise above 80 can lead to hearing loss and permanent damage.

Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Aspahlt Pavement Reduces Fuel Consumption

Smoothness Matters - The influence of pavement on fuel consumption

"Vehicle emissions are major contributors to greenhouse gases, and one of the keys to reducing emissions is reducing consumption of fuel used by cars and trucks on our roadways. While auto makers continue to make progress on improving fuel efficiency of the engines in the vehicles they manufacture, researchers and state transportation agencies are looking at additional ways to reduce emissions.

One area of study is the influence that pavement characteristics have on vehicle fuel consumption. Since slight changes in vehicle fuel economy may have dramatic effects when amassed over a state, country or time frame, slight changes in pavement characteristics could result in meaningful improvements in fuel economy.

There are generally three pavement characteristics that are being explored in an effort to reduce vehicle fuel consumption: pavement-tire rolling resistance, pavement stiffness or viscoelasticity, and pavement texture or smoothness. Pavement texture or smoothness affects rolling resistance by influencing the energy loss due to friction

Results from this study indicated that trucks running on slightly smoother pavement could reduce fuel consumption by 4.5 percent.

Not only do smoother pavements reduce fuel consumption, but they also reduce vehicle operating costs and driver fatigue by minimizing tire bounce and load impacts.

Keeping a road smooth begins with a well-engineered foundation and pavement structure. In other words, Perpetual Pavement is the beginning of fuel efficiency through smoothness. It is to this nation’s advantage that so many of our existing asphalt pavements meet the definition of perpetual. They can remain in place for the long haul, with only periodic replacement of pavement surface to eliminate distresses and restore the ride quality.

Studies have shown that stone matrix asphalt and other modern asphalt mixes can provide surfaces that will last in excess of 20 years.

One thing is clear, of all characteristics of pavement, smoothness is the major determinant of fuel economy."

View the Source:  Smoothness Matters PDF from the Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan

Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Asphalt Tiles Recycled to Make Asphalt Roads

One of the environmental advantages of asphalt is the ability to recycle asphalt materials and re-use them. Here is an infographic from Better Roads Magazine about recycling asphalt roofing tiles in the US. The numbers are huge!

• Over 12.5 billion square feet of asphalt shingles are produced each year in the US - enough to put a roof over 5 million homes
• The shingle roof of an average US home can supply enough asphalt to pave 200 feet of a 2-lane highway.
• Recycling asphalt shingles could keep 11 million tons of waste away from landfills.

 

 

Road Readie Paving has decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Ten Tips to Manage Heat Stress - from the Road Readie Job Site

It goes with the territory - road crews working in the heat of the summer. Road Readie Paving always places safety first on the job site and so we have some experience with handling heat stress. The bottom line is awareness; of weather conditions, job site conditions, and employee health.

Here's a comprehensive look at Heat Stress for workers exposed to high temperatures and humidity outside or inside the workplace. It's produced by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario.

Ten Tips for Managing Heat Stress:

1. Train workers to recognize the signs and
   symptoms of heat stress and to know how to
   avoid them.
2. Provide water nearby on the job site and ensure
   everyone drinks about one cup of water every 20
   to 30 minutes, even if they’re not thirsty
3. Allow time for workers to acclimatize to the heat
   and the work. This usually takes about two weeks
4. Encourage workers to use a buddy system
   — each buddy looks out for early signs and
   symptoms of heat stress in the other
5. If possible, postpone strenuous work until a
   cooler time of the day.
6. If work is done outside, ensure that shaded areas
   are available.
7. Rotate workers in and out of hot work areas
   whenever possible
8. Avoid eating large meals before working in hot
   environments.
9. Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine. These
   make the body lose water and increase the risk of
   heat stress.
10. Wear light clothing that permits the evaporation
    of sweat (e.g., cotton clothing). Use sunscreen and
    cover your head if working outside.

 

Download PDF Heat Stress Awareness Guide

 



Road Readie Paving is committed to the safety of their employees on the job site. We have decades of experience in residential and commercial paving projects. Call us for an estimate 705-719-0074. Support Local Businesses!

Road Construction Barriers In Japan - Ducks in Row!

Have you ever seen animal road construction barriers in Canada? In Japan, figures of pandas, rabbits, and frogs are lining highways and construction sites to act as an eye catching barrier for traffic.

According to blogger Biran Ashcraft, "in 2006, a construction equipment rental company called Sendaimeiban began collaborating with Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido to make "character barricades" that could be placed at roadside construction sites and be seen by buses of tourists."

The first character put to work was the monkey, but as you'll see in the slideshow of Biran's photographs below, figures of frogs, ducks, and rabbits abound.

Why cartoon like animals? One theory being put forth online is that the barriers have a calming effect and reduce road rage, another is that drivers don't want to hit the cute animals, so the characters are a form of accident prevention. What do you think? Is Canada ready to replace safety cones and construction tape with something else?



Do you have a paving project in mind? We hope you decide to support a local family owned business, with a commitment to service and quality, and give Road Readie Paving a call for a free consultation/quote. 705-719-0074

Residential Paving with Road Readie Paving

Road Readie Paving is proud to offer Residential Home and Cottage Owners over 25+ years of expertise in asphalt driveway paving in Simcoe County and a commitment to quality workmanship. With our depth of experience, no project is too big - and we welcome the opportunity to work on smaller projects too!

Your asphalt driveway is an important addition to your Residential property and can add significantly to your home's curb appeal, re-sale value, as well as provide years of maintenance free parking and service.

When selecting a paving contractor it is important to look at the number of years of experience in your local community. Please ask us about projects we have completed in Simcoe County and visit our website to look through a gallery of Residential paving projects.

Home Owner – We had Road Readie Paving quote our 4000 sq ft plus driveway which had previously been paved (about 10 years ago) by another local company. The driveway sank and broke everywhere and needed to be excavated and repaved. The quote was very reasonable, so we had Road Readie do the work. Their crew was very professional- they did a fantastic job and we highly recommend them.
- Kathy and Larry

We hope you decide to support a local family owned business, with a commitment to service and quality, and give us a call for a free consultation/quote. 705-719-0074

Commercial Paving with Road Readie Paving

Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional product at a competitive cost.  With over 25 years of Commercial Paving experience, you can be confident in our expertise and professionally trained staff. We will customize each project to suit your individual needs. With Road Readie Paving, you can trust that we will make your asphalt vision a reality.

"Park Ridge Construction – Road Readie Paving completed a 35,000 sq.ft parking lot on Huronia Rd, Barrie- base and top coat. Their quality of work was excellent, as was John (the salesperson)- he walked me through the procedures and made sure I was happy during the extent of the work. We will definitely be using them in the future."- Miles – Park Ridge Construction (Owner)

"John at Road Readie Paving has taken care of our driveway paving for many years. The company has been very reliable, and have always taken care of any issue that we have had. We look forward to using them for all of our paving needs!"- Randy – Owner, Grandview Homes

Road Readie Paving is ready to work on your Commercial projects;

• Asphalt Paving
• Parking Lots, Commercial or Industrial
• Road Construction
• Maintenance
• Golf Courses
• School Grounds 

Our Sales Staff is ready to discuss the work and give you a free estimate. You can call us at 705-719-0074 or contact our staff at the email addresses below.

•John Ferreri, Estimator – 25 years of experience Email: john (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Chris Ferreri, Estimator – 10 years of experience Email: chris (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Danny Borzellion, Estimator – 20 years of experience Email: danny (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Tim Moxham, Estimator – 5 years of experience Email: tim (at ) roadreadiepaving.com
•Guy Guadagnino, Crew Foreman – 20 years experience Email: guy (at ) roadreadiepaving.com

 

With over 30 years of experience serving the Barrie and Simcoe area, Road Readie Paving has built a reputation second to none. If you are needing asphalt for you next construction project, call Road Readie Paving for a free quote. 705-719-0074