What happens if the angle and mass of the screed are not adjusted properly?

When the angle and mass of the screed are not adjusted properly, it can lead to significant issues with the quality of the asphalt pavement. The primary roles of the screed in asphalt paving are to spread, shape, and finish the hot mix asphalt. If these parameters are incorrect, several outcomes can occur.

Firstly, when the screed angle is not set correctly, it can cause inconsistencies in the thickness of the asphalt layer being laid down, which directly affects the surface smoothness. An improperly angled screed can result in ridges, dips, or uneven surfaces, leading to compromised surface smoothness that is crucial for vehicle performance and safety.

Secondly, the compaction of the material is greatly influenced by the screed’s mass and angle. If the mass is inadequate or not calibrated correctly, the asphalt may not be compacted sufficiently, resulting in voids and weak spots within the pavement. Proper compaction is essential for ensuring adequate density and durability of the asphalt surface.

Thus, both the smoothness of the surface and the proper compaction of the material are critical for achieving high-quality asphalt pavement. When adjustments to the screed are not made accurately, both aspects suffer, reinforcing that the correct assessment here is that both the smoothness of