Asphalt is a viscoelastic material with both elastic and viscous properties, requiring specific temperatures for application and compaction. Choose the best Asphalt Paving Contractors in Newark.
Paving contractors must monitor the temperature of asphalt from its exit from the plant until completion of their paving processes in order to achieve top-quality results.
Ambient Temperature
Asphalt paving professionals understand that the success of any job in their industry depends on a combination of factors. One such factor is temperature – one such key element being when the mix arrives on site, as too cold of an asphalt mix cannot compact evenly and may lay unevenly while too hot could lose density and become unusable for work purposes – an optimal temperature range should fall somewhere between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for asphalt usage.
Hot mix asphalt delivered directly from its manufacturing plant will typically start between 275 and 300 degrees. Once laid onto its base, however, its temperature quickly decreases, so it is essential to check its temperature in various places such as haul trucks, in front of the laydown machine, and behind it (when break-down rolling passes occur). Wind conditions also play a significant factor when it comes to cooling rates of laid asphalt.
Pavers should make sure the area where they’re taking a temperature reading is shaded so the asphalt doesn’t cool too rapidly or is affected by direct sunlight. A thermometer capable of reading low temperatures, such as those found in asphalt, has shallow specific heat, such as within 0.5 degrees accuracy, should be used; for optimal accuracy, calibration against its manufacturer-recommended range should also take place prior to testing your thermometer against it.
Ground Temperature
The temperature of the ground on which asphalt is laid must meet certain thresholds in order to ensure that it is compacting and adhering correctly. A cold environment will leach heat out too quickly from the asphalt mixture, leading to an early settlement with potential issues of cracking and sinking later on. Too hot of an environment can make working with asphalt difficult or cause it to melt too quickly and lose density too rapidly.
Temperature stability of asphalt mixture from its origination in the plant to delivery onto its base is of great significance. As such, many paving contractors employ temperature sensors and thermal cameras to track asphalt from their trucks to the construction site. Asphalt should arrive at the project site between 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and its temperature should continue to increase as it is spread and compacted. Ultimately, compaction will become impossible if the asphalt mix temperature falls below 185 degrees Fahrenheit before compaction begins. Therefore, constant monitoring ensures that the asphalt mix remains at an ideal temperature and produces long-term, high-quality pavement with lasting benefits.
Temperature of the Asphalt Mix
The temperature of the asphalt mix should also be taken into account when paving. Ideally, asphalt should be between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize compaction; otherwise, it will become hard to compact, and too hot temperatures could result in the cracking of its structure.
An asphalt mixture’s ideal temperature can be measured with a thermometer. While traditional thermometers can be challenging to use, most contractors rely on infrared thermometers instead – with at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the paving process being considered optimal.
Maintaining an optimal temperature range is vitally important as it prevents premature hardening and overheating, reduces the viscosity of asphalt, facilitates proper application and compaction, and helps ensure the long-term durability of new pavement installations. In addition, adequate curing processes help further enhance the quality of pavement.
Temperature of the Pavement
Asphalt paving materials are among the most versatile and cost-effective paving options on the market, but their installation requires certain conditions in order to succeed. Temperature plays an integral role in this regard – too-cold temperatures will prevent asphalt from adhering correctly to its base, leading to raveling issues in its final form. It is, therefore, vital that during the paving process, infrared thermometers be used as monitoring tools.
Once the asphalt has been mixed, it reaches the job site at temperatures between 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit. When placed onto the ground, however, it begins to cool rapidly; for this reason, it’s essential that on installation day, an accurate wind velocity reading be taken as too much wind could cause it to cool even faster, leading to poor compaction and lower quality finishes.
Continuous monitoring of asphalt temperature from haul truck to paving site ensures an ideal temperature range, leading to improved pavement quality as well as decreased maintenance and repair costs over time.
