Why concrete may last longer than asphalt roads

New innovations in construction industry have brought to the fore the advantages of concrete roads over the age-long asphalt roads.
Hence, in recent times, there have been calls for more investment in concrete roads, which professionals say can save the government several billions of naira due to their longevity and low maintenance qualities.
Indeed, hot mix asphalt is made of aggregates (stone, sand, gravel) and liquid asphalt, the oil-based glue, which is the glue that holds everything together. It is made from materials such as limestone, rock, and water. It is also the most-used man-made material in the world.

Concrete road lasts longer
These roads have a long service life of forty years, whereas asphalt roads last for ten years. Moreover, during this service life concrete road do not require frequent repair or patching work like asphalt roads.
So, paving with concrete, means less need for maintenance over the life of your street.

Requires less maintenance
Areas paved with asphalt require more maintenance than those paved with concrete. As a result, there is less need for repair crews to handle maintenance of these streets and parking lots. This means less congestion and disruption to work areas and less danger to road crews and drivers alike.
Invariably, while a concrete street would need little maintenance over a 30-year period, an asphalt street would require a major resurfacing in just 15 years.
The Rigid type is also more durable than asphalt. This means that streets paved with concrete are less likely to have potholes. The surface of these roads is also better at preventing automobile skidding, keeping drivers and their families safe.

Less fuel!
Since these pavement requires less repair and maintenance works over time, less energy and fuel is needed for heavy construction equipment.
For a vehicle, running over a concrete road, it consumes 15-20% less fuel than that on asphalt roads. This is because these type of roads does not get deflected under the wheels of loaded trucks.
Not only that, but trucks use less fuel when traveling on it. That keeps the cost of transporting goods down, and it means lower emissions from vehicles.
Unlike asphalt roads, these type of roads do not get damaged by the leaking oils from the vehicles or by the extreme weather conditions like excess rain or extreme heat.