What is the best practice prior to dumping material from a truck into the hopper?

The best practice prior to dumping material from a truck into the hopper involves raising the bed of the truck and allowing the material to "break" for a surge. This method effectively ensures a smooth flow of hot mix asphalt into the hopper, which is essential for maintaining the consistency and operational efficiency of the paver.

Allowing the material to "break" for a surge means that the material is allowed to flow freely into the hopper, minimizing the risk of flow disruption or blockages that could occur if the material were dumped too quickly or unevenly. This practice helps prevent potential issues including segregation of the asphalt mix and ensures that the paver receives a continuous flow of material, which is crucial for achieving the desired density and quality of the final pavement.

Additionally, this approach supports a safer working environment by reducing the likelihood of spills or overfilling the hopper, which can lead to accidents or material wastage. Given these advantages, this method is considered optimal for ensuring the effective and safe operation of the hot mix asphalt paving process.