Uses of an Asphalt Paver
There are several different types of Asphalt Paver. The choice of asphalt paver will depend on the type of job you have. For example, if you are paving a driveway, you will most likely use a paver with a fixed-width or extending screed. The paver will also include other equipment, such as distribution augers and tampers, which will compact the base and surface course.
Asphalt pavers have many advantages over other paving materials. Their appearance is far superior to that of concrete, and they can be installed quickly. Asphalt paving is also more environmentally friendly, and offers a variety of other benefits. Listed below are some of the most common uses of asphalt paving.
When asphalt is being poured into a road, a paver operator can set the grade manually or automatically. When manually setting the grade, the operator must adjust the paver’s grade control to achieve a smooth surface. Using a toe point, the operator can control the slope of the pavement, the angle of the screed, and the thickness of the mat. A 1” elevation change in the toe point produces a 0.125” change in the leading edge of the screed.
Some pavers are equipped with an oscillating screed that will impart initial compaction to the surface. These screeds operate at 600 strokes per minute and utilize 1/4-inch transverse strokes. They are also equipped with a vibrating compactor that imparts extra compaction to the mat.
What Are the Uses of an Asphalt Paver?
Asphalt is composed of crushed stone in varying particle sizes coated with bitumen. It is susceptible to segregation if not handled carefully. Because of this, optimum material handling from the truck to the paver is important. In addition, a well-designed material hopper will ensure optimum flow through the material.
One of the most important components of an asphalt paver is the screed. It is essential for the productivity of an asphalt paver to have a level screed. To achieve this, the paver operator should measure the thickness of the screed in all four corners of the asphalt paver. If the thickness is inconsistent, the paver operator is either overloaded or using too much pressure.
The standard width of an asphalt paver is eight to twelve feet, but it can be as large as 40 feet. Eight-foot pavers are designed for smaller projects, while larger models are suitable for highway applications. Asphalt pavers can be as thick as 6 inches or as thin as 2.5 feet.
The most common type of asphalt is hot mix asphalt. The material is heated to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit and is used in the construction of roads. Hot mix asphalt comes in three different types: coarse, fine, and dense-graded. Fine-graded asphalt is made with more sand and small stones. The latter type is designed for highways and other heavy traffic areas.