Premix vs Asphalt | Difference Between Premix & Asphalt

 During engineering practice I have heard several humors related to blacktop work. 90% of the public and 60% of Civil Engineer are not well aware about types of blacktop works. Many peoples, specially local asked me about the difference between premix and asphalt as both of them locally called as pitch or alkatra. This is how I explained them how Premix and Asphalt are different:

Premix vs Asphalt

Title	Premix	Asphalt
Material Used	Aggregate (13 mm down) - 80% ,Sand (5.4 mm down) - 20%	Aggregate (20 mm down) - 25 %, Aggregate (13 mm down) - 25 %, Dust - 50 %
Overlay Thickness	Normally 2 to 3 cm	Normally 4 to 5 cm
Bitumen Content	Nominal 3.75 %, up to 4.5% at cold climate	Nominal 5.5%, up to 6%
Suitability	Suitable for hot climate with low traffic	Suitable for all climate with high traffic
Cost	Cheap	150 % expensive than premix
Production	Requires premix mixture	Asphalt Batching plant is mandatory
Laying	Laying is done manually or with Paver. Tandem roller (min 5 ton ) required for rolling.	Laying work must be done with Paver Machine. Tandem roller (min 12 ton) and Pneumatic roller is required.