1. Introduction

1.4 Workmanship

Several major construction factors directly affect the ultimate performance of asphalt pavements: the structural design of the pavement layers; the binder, aggregate, and mix design qualities; the construction procedures used to produce, transport, place, and compact the mix; and the workmanship or quality of construction. Poor workmanship can be one of the most significant factors leading to premature distress of an asphalt pavement.

Causes of poor workmanship frequently include failure to comply with specifications, poor construction techniques, and improper equipment setup and operation. Appropriate training of construction personnel is key to good workmanship as well. Mix plant and paving train personnel must understand fundamental processes and procedures, as well as the consequences of failing to perform these best practices. For example, failure of roller operators to observe temperature zones during compaction could result in pavement areas that have low compacted density and risk premature pavement failures, translating to FOD on airfields.

To ensure pavements perform as expected, there is no substitute for careful adherence to best practices by all involved with asphalt paving in all phases of a project, as outlined in this Handbook.

Project management decisions can also lead to poor workmanship. For example, if paving is allowed to proceed during inclement weather, inadequate compaction can result despite proper practice by equipment operators. Similarly, if the paving operation moves too quickly, it can exceed the rate of delivery of material. This results in frequent stops of the paving train, which in turn can cause unnecessary pavement roughness and nonuniform density.

Proper performance of all construction-related tasks, including testing and inspection, ensures that the asphalt mixture produced, placed, and compacted will perform as expected. QC and acceptance procedures, such as those described in Chapter 11 of this Handbook, will identify instances of poor workmanship. These instances should be corrected as soon as possible. Chapter 12 of this Handbook is intended to help identify the causes of mat problems and offers recommended adjustments to prevent continuation of the problem.

There is no substitute for careful adherence to best practices by all involved with asphalt paving in all phases of a project, as outlined in this Handbook.