To be even more of a pedant, because asphalt is a subset concrete, any comparison between asphalt and concrete is automatically implied as a comparison between asphalt and non-asphalt concrete, and to specify would be redundant.
replyIt's just like when saying "man vs animal", everyone knows that man is a type of animal, but it's implied that it's "man vs non-man animal".
> any comparison between asphalt and concrete is automatically implied as a comparison between asphalt and non-asphalt concrete, and to specify would be redundant.
replySounds like the comparison isn't between asphalt and non-asphalt concrete, but between asphalt concrete and cement concrete. Unless the only two possible aggregate binders are asphalt and cement, but that seems unlikely to me.
Possibly. But I noticed offhand in the DFW, Texas area there many local streets - sometimes flat ground-level parking lots - paved entirely in concrete, not just highways. Apparently for them the up front investment in "normal" (portland?) concrete is more economical.
replyThere was a stretch of U.S. highway in my hometown that was built with concrete slabs. It is actually very durable and lasts for decades without need of repair, but it is also done in segments and the segments shift and create unevenness over time. Its not a terribly bumpy ride but it definitely isn't smooth like fresh asphalt. Anyways, at some point they grinded off a small layer of concrete and paved over the top with asphalt. When asphalt is fresh its definitely a more enjoyable drive.
reply> You need a pretty thick slab with rebar in it if you want to build a road surface from it, due to how weak cement concrete is under tension.
replyA lot of states use JPCP now for highways that doesn’t require rebar.