Density of Longitudinal Construction Joints in Asphalt Concrete Pavements: Is there a Problem? (0-1757-S)

When placing hot-mix asphalt concrete (HMAC), paving the full width of the pavement in a single pass is usually impossible; therefore, most bituminous pavements contain longitudinal construction joints. These construction joints can often be inferior to the rest of the pavement and can eventually cause an otherwise sound pavement to deteriorate. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) specifications do not address compaction in the vicinity of the longitudinal construction joints, resulting in increased permeability, decreased performance pf HMAC. The objectives of this research project were to: 1. assess the density along the longitudinal construction joint of several Texas pavements to determine if a problem exists; 2. document information from the literature and other agencies regarding joint density issues; 3. synthesize aviation construction data where a history of a joint density specification exists to determine if such a requiremtns can be met by paving contractors; and 4. if justified by the research, provide joint density specification recommendations.