Is SMA better than tarmac?

Is SMA better than tarmac?

SMA provides a more durable surface than tarmacadam making it more resistant to ruts from heavy traffic.

What does SMA mean in tarmac?

National Asphalt Pavement Association • QIP 122. 1. Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) is a tough, stable, rut-resistant mixture that relies on stone-to- stone. contact to provide strength and a rich mortar binder to provide durability.

Is SMA good for driveways?

The SMA materials we source are top quality and are designed to be resistant to deformations (cracks and potholes) and for its durability and long life span. So your driveway or path will maintain its perfectly smooth finish for many years to come.

What is the difference between SMA and tarmac?

Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is made when a layer of crushed stone or aggregate is coated and mixed with tar. While asphalt is a similar mixture to tarmac, it actually consists of less external materials, making it slightly harder wearing. Both asphalt and tarmac are used for driveway, pavement and road surfaces.Oct 8, 2019

Is SMA better than asphalt?

SMA provides a textured, durable, and rut resistant wearing course. The surface texture characteristics of SMA are similar to Open graded asphalt (OGA) so that the noise generated by traffic is lower than that on DGA but equal to or slightly higher than OGA.

What does SMA stand for in tarmac?

Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is a gap-graded mix laid between 30mm and 40mm thickness. It may be manufactured using a polymer modified binder (PMB), giving the aggregate skeleton additional strength.

What is the difference between HMA and SMA?

SMA is generally more expensive than a typical dense-graded HMA because it requires more durable aggregates, higher asphalt content, modified asphalt binder and fibers. In the right situations it should be cost-effective because of its increased rut resistance and improved durability.

Is SMA an asphalt?

SMA has found use in Europe, Australia, the United States, and Canada as a durable asphalt surfacing option for residential streets and highways. SMA has a high coarse aggregate content that interlocks to form a stone skeleton that resists permanent deformation.