What is Road Base and Why Does it Matter?
Written by: Bracing Systems
Roads are important to our cities and rural areas. They connect people to each other and are an important part of our modern society, making it possible to reach long distances safely by motor vehicle. Typical roads are made up of many layers including subgrade, road base, and a surface layer (asphalt, concrete, etc).
Road base serves an important function. Understanding what is road base, choosing the right material for road base, and applying it properly to roadways you're building is important for constructing strong roads. If you're a construction contractor, it's also important to get your road base from a material supplier you can trust.
At Bracing Systems, we're committed to helping construction contractors build strong and long-lasting projects by selling them construction materials and supplies they can count on. We service Hanover Park, Mokena IL, and the greater Chicago area.
What is Road Base in Construction?
Road base is the layer of a road that comes between the subgrade and the top layer. Road base is used to strengthen the top layer (asphalt or concrete), and provide drainage. Road base also helps distribute weight, to reduce cracking of the road over time.
Road base can be made of many different types of materials. The type of material that you choose for your road base should depend on factors like the climate, your budget, and what kind of traffic you're expecting on the road over time.
Importance of Road Base in Construction Projects
Road base serves many purposes, but first and foremost, road base is a foundation material for asphalt or concrete. Road base provides stability for the surface finishing material.
Road base is spread out evenly and compacted, so the weight of the surface material can be evenly distribute across the roadway. This creates a stable foundation that prevents the roadway from sinking in places or cracking. Road base also provides drainage, enabling rain water, and flood water to run off of the paved surface.
Looking for Supplies for Your Next Project?
Whether your project involves road base or other construction needs, Bracing Systems has you covered. We offer a comprehensive range of construction supplies and equipment, available for both rent and purchase, including forming systems, scaffolding, and safety equipment. Our products are built to handle the demands of any job, ensuring your project’s success from start to finish. Explore how Bracing Systems can equip you with the right tools and materials today.
Applications of Road Base
Road base can be used for paved surfaces including roads, driveways, parking lots, and walkways. Road base can also be used for driveways that have not been paved. Referred to as "road base driveways," they can also be simply referred to as "gravel driveways."
Types of Road Base Materials
There are several types of road base material, including gravel, crushed rock, sand, and more. The type of road base material that you choose to use should depend on a variety of factors. Choosing the right road base material is important for ensuring the paved surface will last as long as possible.
Gravel
Gravel is a fine stone that has a relatively smooth texture. When smoothed out, gravel is easy to distribute evenly with few potholes or sunken areas. Gravel is a commonly used material for road base (unpaved) driveways.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is more jagged than gravel and comes in a range of shapes and sizes, for a more uneven appearance when laid out and compressed into the subgrade.
Crushed Concrete
Crushed concrete is similar to gravel in many ways, but has some advantages for certain projects. As a recycled material, it's an eco-friendly option. Crushed concrete can also be more affordable. It also compacts nicely.
Asphalt Millings
Asphalt millings are similar to crushed concrete in that they're a green option compared to gravel. Asphalt millings can also be cheaper than gravel. One of the most attractive features about asphalt millings is that they tend to harden with time and rarely need to be refreshed.
Crushed Brick
Crushed brick is similar to crushed concrete. This material is eco-friendly because it's made from recycled materials. Compared to gravel, crushed brick is uneven in size and can include some large, jagged pieces. Like crushed concrete, crushed brick can be more affordable than gravel, so if your project is on a tight budget, this is a product to consider.
Stabilized Soil
Stabilized soil is soil that's been mixed with other materials to create a stabilized road base.
How to Choose the Correct Road Base?
Selecting the correct road base is important to ensure the longevity and durability of the paved surface. There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing the correct road base for your project. Work with the customer and their budget to make the right selection.
Climate
Exposure to rain, freeze/thaw cycles, heat, and dry weather can all impact the durability of the road as well as the type of materials to be used. Consider how well the road base drains as well as the variable temperatures throughout the year as you choose the correct road base for your project.
Cost
Budget is always a factor in construction projects, as some materials cost a lot more than others. Keep in mind that when durability is reduced by using low-cost materials, it's important to communicate this with the customer.
Available Materials
Check with your local material suppliers to find out which materials are available in your area. The type of materials available may be impacted by which materials perform best in your local climate.
Traffic
What type of vehicles will use the roadway and how often? Some vehicles can tear up the road more than others. Knowing how much traffic and wear and tear to expect for your paved surface can help you choose the best material for the job.
Bracing Systems: Your One-Stop Shop for Construction Supplies
Bracing Systems is your one-stop shop for construction supplies in the Chicago area. We sell materials like road base and other construction materials for construction projects of all kinds, including paving projects. We also rent equipment to construction outfits and DIYers in the Chicago area. Contact us today to learn more about our construction materials and rental equipment for your next big construction job.
We understand your challenge: To get all your equipment and supplies reliably and on time, while maintaining good profit margins.
