First impressions are important; there’s no second chance. When designing an office or a building complex, architects and engineers place significant importance on attractiveness, design and functionality. The goal is to create something that’s aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective for customers, visitors and employees.
Despite their efforts, many architects and engineers often overlook a critical first step – the parking area. Owners can minimize maintenance and increase the service life of the pavement by giving proper consideration during the design and construction phases of a project.
Hot mix asphalt is the dominant product utilized in parking lot applications for a variety of reasons. First, it’s cost effective. Asphalt pavements are less expensive to construct and also result in lower life-cycle costs over the life of the pavement. Second, they can be constructed quickly, utilizing local contractors and materials. Third, they provide excellent service to the owner and their customers.
When properly designed and constructed, parking areas become an integral and attractive part of the overall facility with the added benefits of being safe, durable and less expensive to maintain. If desired, asphalt pavements can be colored and/or stamped in a variety of colors and patterns to enhance the aesthetics of the parking lot.
The following information is provided as a general guide to parking area design, facility layout and construction. For additional guidance, please contact the Plantmix Asphalt Industry of Kentucky (PAIKY).
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