Why is the Temperature of Asphalt Important in Road Laying?

Temperature monitoring during the laying of asphalt is crucial to ensure high compaction and high-quality roads.

Hot mix asphalt/aggregates are manufactured and heated above temperatures of 150°C. The monitoring and maintaining of these temperatures during mixing and laying of road bases is of utmost importance to obtain the correct compaction levels and to ensure that roads will last without cracking. Cracks in asphalt can be a costly result of unchecked and unmonitored hot mix asphalt. Asphalt can lose heat quickly, beginning as soon as it is placed onto the truck that will lay it onto the road or path. Keeping asphalt at a minimum heat level is important during transportation to ensure it reaches its destination in prime condition for road laying.

It is important to not only monitor the temperature of asphalt during mixing and transfer to trucks but also after it has passed through the asphalt paver as this will determine when to lay asphalt. The hot mix asphalt must be fully compacted before it begins to cool.