Paving Glossary

Aggregates – A variety of rocks, gravel, and crushed rock that make up the bulk of a mixture.

Asphalt – A mixture of hot asphalt cement and aggregates that hardens and cools after being placed and compacted.

Base – The material, often crushed stone or caliche material, that is installed beneath asphalt.

Caliche – A sedimentary rock found in arid and semiarid regions around the world commonly used as a paving material.

Cold In Place Recycling (CIPR) – A term used when grinding machines are used to recycle old pavement into base material for the new paving project.

Compaction – A process that compresses material.

Concrete –Also called "Portland Cement Concrete Pavement," concreted is a hard building material made from hardened cement, sand, gravel, and water. Caliche is often used in concrete.

Drag Boxes – Spreaders that are dragged behind a truck to spread asphalt. Drag boxes are often used by less experienced contractors. Tow behind pavers and self-propelled pavers are recommended over drag boxes.

Drainage – A system used in road construction to divert rain water.

Grade – The amount of angling used to drain water is called a grade. Leveling or sloping a surface is also called grading.

Limestone – Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is often used as a building material as well as a base layer for paving.

Stone Base – A base layer under paved surfaces made of crushed stones such as caliche.