Paver Operation
Paving Checklist
- Verify spread rate, slope, and width to required cross sections.
- Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) – Run first 3-4 loads hotter to heat up equipment.
- Maintain proper height of material in hopper or hopper insert – do not empty hopper between loads.
- Keep the Head of Material in the auger chamber constant. Strive for plus or minus 1 inch from center of auger shaft.
- Adjust feeder controls to keep augers turning 80-100% and 20-40 rpm.
- Adjust or match height/slope of extensions to screed to eliminate screed extension lines/marks in mat.
- When using grade and or slope control, adjust screed controller, not manual thickness screw.
- Routinely:
- Observe HMA being discharged into hopper or insert for changes in characteristics of the mix.
- Check temperature of mix.
- Check texture of finished mat edge-to-edge and station-to-station.
- Strive for uniformity.
- Verify width, thickness, cross slope to match target.
- Verify spread rate or yield to match target.
- Pave at a constant speed (See Balancing Production Rates) and use rapid stop/start if trucks run out.
- Engage hydraulic assist to lock screed lift cylinders when speed slows/stops to keep screed from settling in mat.
- Switch screed to float when paving.
- Adjust the screed width during paving to minimize joint overlap and eliminate raking/luting of joint.
- Fix mat defects from pavement edge with lute and enough mix to fill – do not broadcast or backscatter mix on pavement surface.
- Use Lute/Rack to remove oversize materials and discard for repairs or patches.
- Do not walk on uncompacted asphalt mat.
- Keep screed walkway clear.
- At end of shift, remove buildup of cold asphalt from hopper, conveyors, augers, screed, and pivot areas.
- Park equipment in safe zone.
- Collect all delivery tickets, verify loads, quantities, and paved areas at end of each shift.
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