The Paving Process

Three trucks are used in placing a chip seal. Source: Asphalt Handbook.

The photograph above shows the equipment used to place a "chip seal" or "surface treatment." The first truck spreads a thin layer of liquid asphalt binder. The second truck drops a layer of aggregate--typically chips of uniform size about 1/4 inch--on top. Note that the road is distinctly lighter in color behind the second truck. A third truck--a roller--compresses the chips into the binder. The final compaction is done by the traffic. By this means the aggregate shows immediately and a higher albedo can be achieved, especially if a light-colored aggregate is used.

Chips are compacted over time. Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Other methods of achieving a high-albedo pavement include "whitetopping" with a thin (2 or more inches) layer of cement concrete.