What Is Asphalt
Tampa Asphalt Articles
Asphalt
Asphalt is the residue from the crude-oil refining process and
is primarily used for road construction. The price of asphalt has doubled in some states since early 2008. The
rapid price increases for asphalt and other construction materials have caused states to postpone or reduce
their plans for construction and repair of highways and roads. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
producer price index (PPI) for liquid asphalt at the refinery jumped 12% in June from May 2008, and 52% from
June 2007. The PPI for asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, which includes the aggregate (crushed stone) that is
mixed with liquid asphalt binder, rose 6.7% for the month and 17% over 12 months (view chart). In addition, several states have reported shortages of liquid asphalt or the
petroleum-derived polymers that improve asphalt pavement performance.
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