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→Improvements in Paved Roads
In the Islamic world, innovations were developed in the types of pavement used. Baghdad developed the use of tar that derived from pitch or bitumen. In fact, this was already present in ancient Babylonian cities but was not widely used. The use of bitumen as a type of tar was a forerunner of tar and asphalt roads that are today widely used. Bitumen was relatively easily available and its waterproofing qualities meant that streets could become relative dry quickly and remain mud free.
By the 18th century, road technologies once again began to improve as engineering was more greatly utilized. Concepts of drainage now led to roads being created that were crested so that water can run to the sides and be drained in areas away from the main road to keep roads dry. Specific stones now were utilized for their qualities, such as thickness and durability. Road maintainers were employed to keep sections of roads well maintained. By the early 19th century, road paving using a combination of dirt and stone proved to be useful for road durability. This remained the main type of road until 1901, when tarmac was utilized to pave roads. The idea was similar to what was used in the Medieval Islamic period; however, tar was mixed with aggregate material to create a more mixed product than pure tar from bitumen. This mixture became the type of surface we today see in most roads.
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