Tarmacadam – History, Advantages and Usage

Tarmacadam, also known as tarmac or simply tar, is a paving material that has been widely used for over a century. The origins of this versatile material can be traced back to the late 19th century, when a Scottish engineer named John McAdam developed a new method for paving roads.

McAdam's method, known as "macadamization," involved layering crushed stone on top of a compacted soil base. This method proved to be a significant improvement over the previous method of paving roads with large cobblestones, as it provided a smoother and more durable surface. However, the crushed stone used in this process was still prone to becoming loose and shifting over time.

In the early 20th century, a Belgian engineer named Edgar Purnell Hooley was working on a project to improve the durability of roads in his country. While visiting a quarry, he noticed that a tar-like substance had been spilled onto a pile of crushed stone. He noticed that the tar had bonded the stone together, creating a more stable surface. This observation led Hooley to experiment with mixing tar with crushed stone to create a new paving material, which he named "Tarmacadam."

The advantages of Tarmacadam over traditional macadam are numerous. First and foremost, the addition of tar to the crushed stone creates a more durable surface that is less prone to shifting and becoming loose. This means that Tarmacadam roads require less maintenance and last longer than traditional macadam roads. Additionally, Tarmacadam is a more flexible material than traditional macadam, which means it is less likely to crack and break under heavy loads.

Another advantage of Tarmacadam is that it is relatively easy to work with. Unlike traditional macadam, which requires large amounts of crushed stone to be delivered and spread on the road surface, Tarmacadam is made by mixing crushed stone with tar in a factory before it is transported to the job site. This makes it easier for tarmac contractors to work with, as they don't need to worry about sourcing and transporting large amounts of crushed stone.

Tarmacadam is also a relatively inexpensive paving material, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects. This is because it is made from readily available materials and is relatively easy to manufacture. Additionally, Tarmacadam is a relatively quick and easy paving process, which means that it can be completed in a shorter amount of time than traditional macadam.

While Tarmacadam is widely used in road construction, it is also commonly used in other applications such as driveways, parking lots, and playgrounds. The durability and flexibility of Tarmacadam make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas that need to withstand heavy loads and wear and tear. Additionally, the smooth and stable surface provided by Tarmacadam makes it an ideal choice for outdoor sports areas, such as basketball courts and tennis courts.

In conclusion, Tarmacadam has come a long way since its origins in the late 19th century. The invention of Tarmacadam by Edgar Purnell Hooley revolutionized the way roads were built, and it continues to be a popular choice for paving projects today. Tarmacadam is a durable and flexible material that is relatively easy to work with, making it an ideal choice for tarmac contractors. With its many advantages over traditional macadam, it's no wonder that Tarmacadam continues to be a widely used paving material today.