Any successful asphalt paving
project requires appropriate preparation, as well as careful planning. From the
correct paver set up to set the optimum mat temperature, as well as observing
the correct rolling patterns, every step involved in the project affects the
result.
The slightest mistake can delay
the entire paving project, or even cause serious problems to the quality of the
asphalt surface. With
that let’s look at 5 pro tips for boosting the quality of asphalt paving.
Make sure you set up the paver properly
Start by inspecting the paving machine, and all its related components to check for any problems that can affect safety or operation before paving starts. Before starting the machine, check whether all fluid levels are ok. Also, you need to check whether all gauges are ok after starting up the paver.
Apply a coating solution or release agent to all the components that come into direct contact with the asphalt. This prevents the asphalt from sticking to the paving machine. Proper screed setup and machine preparation can save you effort and valuable time.
You should set up the screed according to the specification of the project—mat thickness, width, slope, or crown. Besides, you should preheat the screed, as this prevents mat dragging and sticking. The right temperature range for this operation is 107 degrees C –135 degrees C (225 f – 275 F).
After that, you should determine the ideal screed-plate angle. You can achieve this by rotating the depth cranks down or up to get the paving depth needed. The screed angle can decrease or increase the mat thickness.
Have sufficient head of material
Research conducted revealed that close to 95% of all material faults that emerge in pavements is because of using materials with the wrong consistency. Incorrect supply of head of materials before screed can lead to serious early paving issues.
When we say head of material, we mean the paving mix mass supplied to the screed during the paving process. Any fluctuation in the supply of the material can lead to an uneven surface. This can make it hard to achieve a surface with a smooth and even finishing—the most likely result is a wavy surface.
Thus, you should make sure you maintain a constant supply of material across the entire region that you want to pave. This ensures you get an even and quality surface. It’s the responsibility of the screed operator to monitor the level of materials. However, modern screed pavers come with sensors that manage the consistency of materials.
Monitor the paving speed
According to Florida asphalt paving experts from ABC Paving, inconsistent paving speed can lead to waves, ripples, as well as uneven mat depth. In a normal paving project, the paver is supposed to operate continuously throughout the day, since any changes in speed can directly impact the possibility of laying a uniform mat. Furthermore, any changes in speed create a challenge when it comes to timing the delivery of the hot mix material—which helps to keep the hopper at least 1/3 full. However, most cases where there are changes in speed are because of the inconsistency of trucks arriving at the site or jolting the pave when changing trucks.
Therefore, it’s essential to consider the size and number of trucks, output and volume of the asphalt mixing plant, compaction and rolling rates, as well as the crew capabilities when setting up the paving speed. Also, you will need to factor in the distance from the asphalt mixing plant to the project site.
Modern pavers come with speed limiters, which resemble a vehicle's cruise control. Once the pave is set correctly, and mat is laid using the right material and speed consistency, the compaction process can start.
Monitor the compaction process
You need to prepare the surface to handle the heavy flow of traffic, unexpected heavy loads, and extreme elements, like winter and hot summers. The surface can withstand this only if it preserved its strength and integrity. For this to be possible, the asphalt base, as well as the subsequent asphalt layers should be firmly compacted.
Failing to observe the required density or compaction during the paving process can lead to serious problems in the future. If that’s the case, the surface will not be able to support the heavy traffic flow, heavy loads, or extreme weather conditions. Eventually, the surface will disintegrate, and this can be very costly.
But, once the compaction is done correctly, you shouldn’t be concerned about the integrity of the surface. The following are three important facts that play an essential role when aiming to achieve the best compaction results:
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Thickness and temperature of the mat
The mat temperature plays a crucial role during the compaction process. The compaction process should start while the asphalt mix has the required fluidity, as this allows the aggregate particles to move as required to remove air or voids in the paves.
Thickness is another essential factor that helps to achieve better compaction. It’s the responsibility of the project engineer to determine the thickness of the compaction. The engineer must consider the anticipated usage and traffic of the road or pavement to choose the mat thickness and mix design.
