ROAD METAL Meaning and
Definition
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Road metal refers to the specific type of crushed stone or gravel material that is primarily used as a foundational component in the construction and maintenance of roads and highways. Also known as road base, it serves as a durable and stable substrate upon which the layers of pavement or wearing course are built.
Road metal is typically sourced from quarries where various types of rocks and minerals, such as limestone, granite, or basalt, are crushed into smaller fragments. These fragments are then carefully graded to achieve a consistent size distribution that is suitable for road construction purposes. This grading process ensures that the road metal particles interlock with each other, providing a solid and compact surface that can withstand heavy traffic loads and adverse weather conditions.
The use of road metal provides several advantages in road construction. It helps to distribute the load of vehicles evenly, reducing the stress on the underlying soil and preventing the formation of potholes and rutting. Moreover, road metal improves drainage and prevents water accumulation, which is crucial for maintaining a safe and skid-resistant road surface.
In addition to road construction, road metal may also find application in other civil engineering projects, such as the construction of airport runways, parking lots, and bike paths. Its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it an essential component in the development and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.
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Stones broken small for covering and repairing roads.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ROAD METAL
- eoad metal
- doad metal
- foad metal
- toad metal
- 5oad metal
- 4oad metal
- riad metal
- rkad metal
- rlad metal
- rpad metal
- r0ad metal
- r9ad metal
- rozd metal
- rosd metal
- rowd metal
- roqd metal
- roas metal
- roax metal
- roac metal
Etymology of ROAD METAL
The term road metal originally referred to crushed rock or gravel used for surfacing roads. The word metal in this context does not refer to the material commonly associated with the term, but rather comes from the Old English word meteall, which referred to quarrying or mining. It is believed that the term evolved from processes involved in quarrying and preparing rock for use in road construction, eventually being shortened to road metal.
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