Which pavement type is generally more expensive and stronger?

Which pavement type is generally more expensive and stronger?

• A. Asphalt
• B. Concrete
• C. Gravel
• D. Metal

Answer: (B)

Pavement materials differ in both strength and upfront cost, and concrete typically sits higher on both scales. Concrete’s high compressive strength and rigid surface let it carry heavy loads with minimal permanent deformation, giving it a longer service life in demanding traffic conditions. That durability comes with a higher initial price due to materials (cement, aggregates), more extensive subgrade preparation, formwork and joints, curing time, and sometimes additional reinforcement. In contrast, asphalt is cheaper to install and repair and can be quicker to put down, but it is more flexible and wears faster under heavy or repeated loading, which often leads to more frequent maintenance and higher lifecycle costs in high-stress scenarios. Gravel provides a very low-cost surface but sacrifices strength and long-term durability, while metal pavements are uncommon for typical roads because of high cost, weight, and maintenance concerns. So concrete is the option that is generally both stronger and more expensive.

Pavement materials differ in both strength and upfront cost, and concrete typically sits higher on both scales. Concrete’s high compressive strength and rigid surface let it carry heavy loads with minimal permanent deformation, giving it a longer service life in demanding traffic conditions. That durability comes with a higher initial price due to materials (cement, aggregates), more extensive subgrade preparation, formwork and joints, curing time, and sometimes additional reinforcement.

In contrast, asphalt is cheaper to install and repair and can be quicker to put down, but it is more flexible and wears faster under heavy or repeated loading, which often leads to more frequent maintenance and higher lifecycle costs in high-stress scenarios. Gravel provides a very low-cost surface but sacrifices strength and long-term durability, while metal pavements are uncommon for typical roads because of high cost, weight, and maintenance concerns.

So concrete is the option that is generally both stronger and more expensive.