Paving

Pavement is a durable surface material laid down on an area intended to sustain multiple forms of traffic. These surfaces are often marked to guide traffic. The most common modern paving methods are asphalt and concrete. In the past, brick was extensively used. Sometimes today, permeable paving methods are used for low-impact roadways and walkways. They are often more cost effective.

Asphalt roadways have advantages including low noise and cost compared with other paving methods. They are also easier to repair. Disadvantages include less durability and tensile strength than concrete. Also, in hot weather they become soft and slick. They can also cause pollution to surrounding soil become of their hydrocarbon mixture.

Cement concrete roadways are generally stronger and last longer than asphalt pavements. They also can easily be grooved to provide skid-resistant surfaces, like for boating ramps. However, they have a higher initial cost, are more difficult to repair, and are also somewhat noisy if jointed. Unjointed cement roadways can somewhat reduce noise issues.