halifax Retail park

The Macadam Specialist were appointed to complete the re-surfacing of Crossley Retail Park, Halifax.

We liaised with the client to come up with a suitable phasing for the works to ensure store opening times weren't affected, to ensure no loss on income for any of the client's.

Our Specialist's worked throughout the night to plane the existing surface, install a new Stone Mastic Asphalt Wearing Course and work with the white lining contractor to get the car park completed with no down time for clients or their tenants.

What is Stone Mastic Asphalt?

 Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is a type of road surface material commonly used in road construction and maintenance. It is a durable and high-performance asphalt mix that offers several advantages over traditional asphalt concrete. SMA is characterized by its stone-on-stone skeleton structure, which enhances its durability, skid resistance, and ability to withstand heavy traffic loads. Here are some key features and characteristics of Stone Mastic Asphalt: 

1. Aggregate Structure: The distinctive feature of SMA is its stone-on-stone aggregate structure. The mix consists of a high content of coarse aggregates, typically crushed stone, which is bound together with a stiff asphalt binder and a minimal amount of fine aggregates.
2. Durability: SMA is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to rutting and deformation, making it suitable for high-traffic roads. The stone-on-stone skeleton structure provides excellent load-bearing capacity.
3. Skid Resistance: The open aggregate structure of SMA enhances skid resistance, improving road safety, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. This is important for preventing accidents and providing better vehicle traction.
4. Reduced Cracking: SMA's design helps reduce the occurrence of reflective cracking. It is often used as an overlay on existing roads to extend their lifespan and prevent the reflection of existing cracks.
5. Noise Reduction: The texture and composition of SMA contribute to noise reduction. It is often used in urban areas and highways to minimize road traffic noise, enhancing the quality of life for nearby residents.
6. Resistance to Moisture Damage: SMA is less susceptible to moisture-related damage, which can be caused by water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. The design of SMA minimizes the potential for water to penetrate the pavement structure.
7. Economical: While SMA may be initially more expensive to install than traditional asphalt mixes, it offers long-term cost savings due to its extended service life, reduced maintenance needs, and enhanced performance.
8. Versatility: SMA can be used in various road applications, including high-traffic highways, urban streets, retail parks and residential roads. It is suitable for both new construction and resurfacing projects.
9. Minimal Rutting: SMA's resistance to rutting, which is the formation of depressions or grooves in the road caused by repeated traffic loads, is a significant advantage. It maintains a more even and level surface over time.
10. Environmental Considerations: The longer service life and reduced need for maintenance make SMA an environmentally friendly choice, as it can reduce the environmental impact associated with road maintenance and repairs.
11. Construction Process: The construction of SMA involves a careful mix design process that incorporates a specific combination of aggregates, asphalt binder, and additives. It is typically placed and compacted using specialized equipment to achieve the desired density and texture.

In summary, Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is a high-quality road surface material designed to provide exceptional durability, skid resistance, and resistance to rutting and moisture damage. It is an ideal choice for roadways with high traffic volumes and where long-term performance and safety are paramount.