A typical paving crew is a team that includes individuals having special interest in the operation. Typical members of this team are: asphalt foreman, paver operator, dump person, screed person, and a couple of people to lute and take care of joints and repairs. The foreman takes care of the overall operation while the other crew members are charged with specific details. The paver operator is concerned with the paver and its operation. The “dump” person positions himself in front of the paver so contact is maintained with the paver operator and the truck drivers. The dump person guides the paver into the pickup position of the truck and assists in dumping the material into the paver hopper. The screed person operates the screed setting for proper depth, smoothness, and texture, while onfining the mix so compaction will be obtainable. Coordination of this process is essential to achieve the desired goal.

The first phase involves preparing the site subgrade. The subgrade (soil) under a pavement is the foundation for the pavement. Regardless of the type of pavement to be placed, the subgrade must meet certain specification requirements. It must be properly graded to line and uniformly compacted to the required density.

Pavers are self propelled machines designed to place and initially compact an asphalt mixture on the roadway to a specific depth. The two major parts of a typical paver are the tractor unit and the screed unit.

Here, we have an end dump haul truck with a load of asphalt mix “docked” with the paver. The mix is then transferred to the hopper of the paver.

The paver and screed operator can then begin the process of applying asphalt mix to the subgrade.

The screed unit has two major functions. It strikes off the mix in a manner that meets specifications for thickness and smoothness and it provides initial compaction.

Asphalt “mat” on subgrade with finishing and personal touch.

Compaction is the process of compressing a given volume of asphalt mix into a smaller volume in order to increase the strength and durability of the mixture. It is essential in reducing the permeability of the pavement. The ultimate goal in constructing a quality asphalt pavement is to produce a smooth, strong, uniform, highly durable driving surface. The compaction process is the final opportunity to achieve these results.