Cold Weather Paving

This time every year cold weather plays a vital role in the decision making process, creating a "pave or not to pave" situation. Typically,  due to budgets we tend to pave. The challenges behind paving are to get proper compaction and a visually good smooth mat. Typically the thinner mats, less than 2" are the mats that most contractors struggle with, so taking extra time on these and following some basic best management practices (BMP) will usually reduce the issues and help get proper placement and compaction.

Mix temperature, hauling, and proper rolling can play a key role to achieving proper compaction. Make sure the mix is consistent and have adequate trucks that are tarped. Keep the rollers close to the lay down machine and balance your paving operation so you don’t out run your rollers. These basic tips will help achieve a higher success rate while paving in cold weather.

One question that’s asked to the Quality Control guy every winter is "What temperature does the specification call for?" Therefore below is the recommended temperatures allowed by TxDOT on QC/QA (Specification 3224 and 3268) controlled projects. Item 3267 (aka 340) allows Hot Mix to be place at temperatures above 60 degrees or as approved by the engineer. 

Finally make sure you monitor wind speed. Wind will cool the mat off quicker than anticipated and may cause you to struggle getting compaction and sealing off the mat. Rule of thumb; for every 5 MPH in wind speed you can subtract 2 degrees off the ambient temperature. 

If ever in doubt to pave or not to pave, just keep in the back of your mind our motto: "Longer Lasting Pavements." This will help guide you to the correct answer.