Why is it important to control the temperatures in mixture production and placement?

Controlling the temperatures in mixture production and placement is crucial to ensuring that the asphalt mix performs as expected. The performance of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is highly dependent on the temperatures at which it is produced and placed. If the mixture is too hot, it can lead to problems such as excessive oxidation of the asphalt binder, which diminishes its performance characteristics over time. Conversely, if the mixture is not hot enough, it may not compact properly, leading to inadequate density and possible premature failure of the pavement.

Maintaining the proper temperature range affects the workability of the mixture, allowing for better compaction and adhesion between the aggregate and the binder. If the mixture cools too much before compaction, it can be difficult to achieve the desired density, which is critical for the longevity and durability of the pavement. Therefore, temperature control is essential to ensure that the HMA behaves according to its design specifications and provides the expected performance throughout its lifecycle.