What is Asphalt or Black Top?
Black top or hot mix or hot asphalt mix is commonly known as asphalt. Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, coarse aggregate of different sizes, fine aggregate and filler material. This mixture is generally used on ground as bituminous concrete.
Note: Generally, asphalt is known as bitumen, is a black, sticky, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. But in this post we are using non-technical words to represent asphalt concrete as asphalt.
When undertaking asphalt paving projects for roads, driveways, patios, streets, or parking lots, asphalt, commonly known as blacktop, is a favored choice owing to its durability and cost-effectiveness. Calculating the amount of asphalt required is crucial before initiating such projects. However, determining the coverage area can be a bit nuanced since asphalt is typically sold by weight in tons.
The question of how much a yard of asphalt covers doesn't have a straightforward answer due to several factors at play. This article aims to demystify the complexities involved and provide you with the necessary insights to estimate the quantity of asphalt needed for your specific project.
How Much Does A Yard of Asphalt Cover?
To calculate the covering area of one yard asphalt depends upon the thickness of the asphalt layer. If the thickness in 1 inch then covering area would be 324 square feet or 36 square yard and if the thickness of asphalt layer is 3 inch then the covering area is 108 square feet or 12 square yard.
How Much Does A Yard of Asphalt Cover with Affecting Factors?
We know that a cubic yard of asphalt (black top) is equal to 27 cubic foot asphalt. One cubic yard asphalt is equal to 2.00 ton to 2.20 ton (depending upon the density). To calculate the covering area of asphalt, we need to know the thickness of asphalt layer which is to be laid.
1. Asphalt or Black Top Thickness
The primary factor that determines the coverage area of asphalt is its thickness. Asphalt is usually applied in layers, measured in inches or feet. Common thicknesses range from 1 to 3 inches for driveways and small projects, while highways and commercial parking lots may require thicker layers. The thicker asphalt layer will cover the less area per cubic yard.
2. Asphalt or Black Top Density
Asphalt density can vary depending on the specific mix and design used for the project. On average, asphalt has a density of about 145-155 pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft³) or approximately 2,400-2,600 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). The density affects how much space the asphalt occupies in a cubic yard.
Yard of Asphalt Cover for 0.5 Inch Thickness
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 0.5 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is one cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 0.5 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 0.5 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (0.5/12) foot
= 648 square foot or
= 72 square yard
A Yard of Asphalt Cover for 1 Inch Thickness Layer
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 1 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is 1 cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 0.5 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 1 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (1/12) foot
= 324 square foot or
= 36 square yard
A Yard of Asphalt Cover for 1.5 Inch Thickness Layer
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 1.5 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is 1 cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 1.5 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 1.5 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (1.5/12) foot
= 216 square foot or
= 24 square yard
How Much Does A Yard of Asphalt Cover for 2 Inch Thickness?
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 2 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is 1 cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 2 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 2 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (2/12) foot
= 162 square foot or
= 18 square yard
A Yard of Asphalt Cover for 2.5 Inch Thickness Layer
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 2.5 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is 1 cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 2.5 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 2.5 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (2.5/12) foot
= 129.6 square foot or
= 14.4 square yard
A Yard of Asphalt Cover for 3 Inch Thickness
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 3 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is 1 cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 3 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 3 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (3/12) foot
= 108 square foot or
= 12 square yard
How Much Does A Yard of Asphalt Cover for 3.5 Inch Thickness?
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 3.5 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is 1 cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 3.5 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 3.5 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (3.5/12) foot
= 92.6 square foot or
= 10.3 square yard
A Yard of Asphalt Cover for 4 Inch Thickness Layer
If the thickness of asphalt (black top) layer is 4 inch and the quantity of the asphalt is 1 cubic yard, then covering area is calculated as flowing:
Covering area by 4 inch asphalt mix or black top
= Volume of asphalt/ Thickness of asphalt layer
= 1 cubic yard/ 4 inch
= 27 cubic foot / (4/12) foot
= 81 square foot or
= 9 square yard
