FEATURE
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Magnum Paving ( Georgia ) compacts a turn lane with a 4.5 ton 54 ” SAKAI vibratory roller .
BEST PRACTICES FOR COMPACTION AND HOW TO FIX COMMON MISTAKES
for driveways , parking lots , patch work , and other small tonnage jobs
C ompaction is a critical aspect of asphalt paving that directly impacts the long-term performance and durability of the finished surface . While many contractors understand the basics of compaction , optimizing this process requires a deep understanding of the factors involved and the potential consequences of mistakes .
Before You Begin : Selecting the Right Asphalt Compaction Equipment
Choosing the appropriate asphalt roller for a small-tonnage project like a residential driveway , small parking lot or patchwork is essential for achieving optimal compaction results . Consider the following factors :
• Project size and scope : For small-tonnage jobs , a lightweight , maneuverable roller is typically sufficient .
• Asphalt mix type : The type of asphalt mix will influence the required compaction effort . Dense-graded mixes may require more aggressive compaction than open-graded mixes .
• Equipment type : Consider the advantages and disadvantages of different equipment types , such as : - Double-drum vibratory rollers : Vibratory action punches at a higher weight class than the equivalent ton static roller . - Combination rollers : Combine the benefits of a front vibratory drum and static rear tires . Tires knead the mix , reducing voids and boosting density . They ’ re trickier to learn on but reduce the need for multiple rollers for many applications . - Pneumatic tire rollers : for finish rolling and chip seals .
By SAKAI America
- Walk-behind rollers ( fixed or steerable ): easy to load / unload for quick patch jobs , maneuverable . - Plate compactors : for around manholes , curbs and joints . - Hand tools : for narrow and tight spaces .
Drum size and weight : The drum size and weight of the roller are crucial factors in achieving proper compaction . For residential driveways and small parking lots , a vibratory roller with a drum width of 36-51 inches and a weight of 1.5-5 tons is typically sufficient . For larger parking lots a double-drum roller with a drum width of 54-58 inches and a weight of 4-8 tons may be necessary .
General roller weight guidelines for common lift thicknesses :
• Residential driveways : 1.5-3 tons for 1-2 ” lifts , 3-5 tons for 2-3 ” lifts
• Small-to-medium parking lots : 3-5 tons for 2-3 ” lifts , 8 tons for 4 ” lifts
• Patchwork : 1.5-3 tons for 1-2 ” lifts Note that these are general recommendations , and the optimal drum size and weight may vary depending on the specific project requirements , such as asphalt mix density and compaction conditions .
Like Everything in Life , a Proper Foundation Underlies Success :
Before compaction of the asphalt mat itself comes into play , the subbase / base must be dry and properly compacted with no visible water or movement under repeated pressure of equipment . An asphalt mat
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