Longer-Lasting Asphalt Pavements – Start by Paving Straight

Longer-Lasting Asphalt Pavements – Start by Paving Straight

Longitudinal joints are often one of the weakest areas of asphalt pavements. A quality joint begins with the first paving pass. If the unsupported edge wanders, the adjoining pass becomes harder to match, overlap becomes inconsistent, and achieving uniform joint density becomes more difficult.

Start With a Straight First Pull

The recent new document that is very resourceful is the AAPTP Asphalt Paving Handbook recommends constructing the unconfined edge in a straight line, or smoothly through curves, using a stringline and paint with a guide mounted to the paver. When skip-paint marks are used, the paver operator should look well ahead and use several marks to establish the overall line of travel. The goal is not to steer toward every individual paint mark. Constant left-and-right corrections can create a wandering or “snaking” edge. Look ahead. Average the marks. Drive the line—not each individual mark. A straight first edge gives the adjoining paver operator a consistent reference and makes it easier to maintain the proper overlap. A wandering edge can create too much overlap in some areas, too little in others, unnecessary handwork, roller bridging, and variable joint density.

Improve Visibility at Night

How many times have we driven back through a previous night’s paving job and thought that someone had to be blind or inexperienced to continue paving wavy joints night after night. Night paving makes maintaining a straight line even more difficult. Provide supplemental forward-facing lighting so the operator can clearly see the reference line well ahead of the paver, not just immediately in front of the machine. Lighting should help the operator see skip paint, stringline, roadway alignment, and other reference points far enough ahead to make small, gradual steering corrections. Position lights to minimize glare and shadows. Give the operator enough visibility to steer proactively instead of reacting at the last second.

Maintain the Operation

Once the paver is moving, maintain:

• Consistent paver speed.
• Uniform head of material.
• Proper material delivery to the end gates.
• Minimal segregation.
• Smooth, gradual steering corrections.
• A consistent, well-defined unsupported edge.

After the edge is established, compact it while the mixture is still hot enough to achieve density. When the adjoining lane is placed, maintain a consistent overlap of 1-1.5 inches and avoid unnecessarily moving properly placed material away from the joint. A straight first pull makes overlap control, rolling, joint density, and long-term pavement performance easier to achieve.

The Crew Message

Before paving begins, establish a clear line. While paving, look well ahead rather than chasing individual paint marks. At night, provide enough forward lighting for the operator to see where the paver needs to go. A straight first pull makes overlap controllable and consistent, rolling, joint density, and long-term pavement performance easier to achieve.

Reference Link: https://handbook.asphaltpavement.org/