What Is FORTA-FI Asphalt?

For years, the asphalt industry has known that reinforcing fibers in an asphalt mix could be beneficial, but quantifying the benefits has been problematic until recently. FORTA-FI is a blend of synthetic fibers that is formulated for use in both rehabilitation and new construction projects, and recent research has shed new light on the benefits of FORTA-FI asphalt.

What Are the Benefits of FORTA-FI Asphalt?

FORTA-FI can help customers save money in two different ways. First, it can reduce initial costs by allowing the pavement to be designed with a thinner thickness of asphalt without sacrificing the durability of the pavement. Depending on the project, asphalt thickness can be reduced by as much as 35%. Second, if used in conjunction with a conventional asphalt thickness, it can extend the life of the pavement by 50% or more by reducing fatigue cracking, raveling, rutting, and reflective cracking, which can also help reduce the frequency and cost of repairs.

What Are the Appropriate Uses of FORTA-FI Asphalt?

FORTA-FI is formulated to provide reinforcement regardless of the working temperature of the mix. Therefore, it can be used in hot mix asphalt, cold patch mixes, warm mix asphalt, and hot patch mixes. FORTA-FI increases the tensile strength of asphalt; tensile strength is a measurement of how much stress a material will be able to withstand when it is being pulled or stretched before it breaks. Tensile strength is not the same as compressive strength, but both measurements can be applied to any material. FORTA-FI also increases the asphalt’s resilient modulus, which is an estimate of its elasticity, and its Marshall stability, which is related to the asphalt’s ability to resist distortion, displacement, and shearing stresses. These enhancements make fortified asphalt an ideal choice for any pavement that will regularly support heavy loads, including airport runways and truck stops.

Is FORTA-FI the Same as Asphalt Fabric?

No, asphalt fabric and FORTA-FI are very different. Since FORTA-FI is incorporated into the asphalt mix, it strengthens the pavement in all three dimensions. Asphalt fabric is basically a mat that is usually applied over an existing pavement during the installation of an asphalt overlay. They hold the tack coat that is used to enhance bonding, and they can help reduce reflective cracking and moisture penetration. Asphalt fabric and FORTA-FI typically have similar costs, but FORTA-FI can reduce construction costs and time since the fibers can be added at the production plant.

Contact Peterson Grading and Paving to Learn More

Peterson Grading & Paving is a full-service paving company serving commercial clients in Orange County and in the state of California. Our service offerings include asphalt overlays, asphalt paving, asphalt repairs, asphalt milling, asphalt sealcoating, concrete repairs, bollard installations, concrete sidewalk construction, pavement markings, concrete parking lot construction, shot blasting, parking lot signs, line removal, concrete curbing, ADA compliance, warehouse striping, concrete ramp construction, parking lot striping, and marking removal. We have an exemplary reputation for exceptional customer service and extraordinary craftsmanship. Contact us for a free quote with no attached strings. Our phone number is 949-402-6979, and our email is Ryan@GradePave.com. If you prefer, simply fill out our request form online and submit it.