Specialized calculator for hot mix asphalt paving projects
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is the most commonly used flexible pavement surfacing material in the United States. It consists of asphalt binder and mineral aggregate mixed at elevated temperatures between 300°F and 350°F (150°C to 175°C).
Density: 2400 kg/m³ (150 lb/ft³)
Use: Most common for roads and highways
Composition: Well-graded aggregate mixture with 4-6% asphalt binder
Density: 2000-2200 kg/m³ (125-137 lb/ft³)
Use: Surface layers where drainage is important
Composition: Contains only a small percentage of fine aggregate
Density: 2350-2450 kg/m³ (147-153 lb/ft³)
Use: High-volume roads requiring durability
Composition: Gap-graded mixture with high coarse aggregate content
Standard hot mix asphalt thickness varies by application: 1.5-2 inches (38-50mm) for residential driveways, 2-3 inches (50-75mm) for commercial parking lots, 3-4 inches (75-100mm) for roads, and 4-6 inches (100-150mm) for highways and heavy traffic areas.
Hot mix asphalt typically costs between $85-$150 per ton, depending on your location, oil prices, and specific mix type. Premium mixes like Stone Matrix Asphalt can cost $120-$180 per ton. Installation costs are additional and usually range from $2.50-$5.50 per square foot.
The density of hot mix asphalt varies by type: Dense-graded HMA is approximately 2400 kg/m³ (150 lb/ft³), open-graded HMA is around 2100 kg/m³ (131 lb/ft³), and Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) is about 2450 kg/m³ (153 lb/ft³).
Coverage depends on thickness: 1 ton of hot mix asphalt covers approximately 80 square feet at 2 inches thick, 53 square feet at 3 inches thick, or 40 square feet at 4 inches thick. For metric, 1 tonne covers about 7.5 m² at 50mm thick.
The main difference is production temperature: Hot mix asphalt is produced at 300-350°F (150-175°C), warm mix at 200-275°F (95-135°C), and cold mix at ambient temperature. Hot mix provides the best durability but requires specialized equipment; warm mix reduces emissions and energy use; cold mix offers convenience for repairs and patching.