Asphalt Paving Course

Lesson 1 • Asphalt Materials and Mix Types

Covers binder grades, aggregate classifications, and common mix designs. Establishes material literacy needed for all subsequent paving decisions.

Lesson 2 • Industry Roles and Project Structure

Defines contractor, inspector, and owner roles within a paving project. Clarifies accountability chains that govern quality and schedule.

Lesson 3 • Reading Plans and Specifications

Teaches interpretation of paving drawings, cross-sections, and written specs. Accurate plan reading prevents costly field errors throughout the project.

Lesson 1 • Drainage and Grading Control

Addresses cross-slope design, edge drainage, and grade control technology. Correct drainage prevents moisture infiltration that weakens the pavement structure.

Lesson 2 • Aggregate Base Course Construction

Details material selection, spreading, and compaction of granular base layers. A well-compacted base distributes loads and controls drainage beneath asphalt.

Lesson 3 • Soil Evaluation and Classification

Covers field and lab tests used to classify subgrade soils by strength and plasticity. Results directly determine stabilization and base thickness requirements.

Lesson 1 • Sampling and Plant Quality Control

Teaches extraction, gradation, and binder content testing of plant-produced mix. Routine sampling confirms the mix meets design before it reaches the paver.

Lesson 2 • Mix Production and Temperature Control

Covers target production temperatures, drying efficiency, and binder injection timing. Temperature deviations degrade mix quality and must be caught at the plant.

Lesson 3 • Haul Truck Management

Addresses truck loading, tarping, haul time limits, and mix temperature on arrival. Proper haul management preserves mix quality from plant to paver.

Lesson 1 • Screed Setup and Adjustment

Covers screed angle of attack, extension width, and heating procedures for consistent mat thickness. Correct screed setup is the primary determinant of mat quality.

Lesson 2 • Paver Components and Controls

Identifies tractor unit, hopper, conveyor, and screed components and their operator controls. Component knowledge is prerequisite to safe and accurate paver operation.

Lesson 3 • Paving Speed and Material Flow

Examines the relationship between paving speed, head of material, and surface texture. Maintaining consistent material flow eliminates segregation and surface defects.

Lesson 4 • Support Equipment Coordination

Covers roller staging, material transfer vehicles, and traffic control coordination. Efficient equipment sequencing maximizes production and mat quality.

Lesson 1 • Compaction Patterns and Sequencing

Details breakdown, intermediate, and finish rolling sequences and overlap patterns. Correct sequencing locks in density before the mat cools below the compaction window.

Lesson 2 • Density Testing and Acceptance

Covers nuclear gauge, non-nuclear gauge, and core sampling methods for density verification. Test results determine acceptance, rejection, or pay adjustment of the mat.

Lesson 3 • Compaction Theory and Air Voids

Explains how roller passes reduce air voids and increase density in the asphalt mat. Understanding compaction mechanics guides roller selection and pattern design.

Lesson 1 • Transverse Joint Construction

Addresses butt joint, tapered joint, and ramp construction at starts and stops. Properly formed transverse joints prevent bumps and water infiltration.

Lesson 2 • Surface Texture and Smoothness

Examines texture requirements, drag marks, roller marks, and profilograph measurement. Surface quality affects ride comfort, safety, and pavement longevity.

Lesson 3 • Tack Coat and Bond Coat Application

Details emulsion selection, application rates, and curing requirements for interlayer bonding. Adequate bond between lifts prevents slippage and delamination failures.

Lesson 1 • Pavement Condition Assessment

Introduces visual survey methods, pavement condition index scoring, and deflection testing. Assessment data drives repair prioritization and budget allocation.

Lesson 2 • Overlay and Rehabilitation Strategies

Examines thin overlay, structural overlay, and mill-and-fill rehabilitation approaches. Strategy selection balances structural need, budget, and remaining pavement life.

Lesson 3 • Milling and Surface Recycling

Covers cold milling equipment, depth control, and reclaimed material management. Milling restores grade and provides recycled material for new mix production.

Lesson 4 • Crack Sealing and Patching

Details crack routing, cleaning, sealant selection, and full-depth patching procedures. Timely crack sealing prevents moisture intrusion and extends pavement life.

Lesson 1 • Smoothness and Ride Quality Acceptance

Covers profiler operation, smoothness specification limits, and incentive-disincentive pay. Meeting smoothness targets earns bonuses and demonstrates crew proficiency.

Lesson 2 • Project Documentation and Closeout

Details daily reports, as-built records, material certifications, and final acceptance procedures. Complete documentation protects all parties and supports future maintenance decisions.

Lesson 3 • Statistical Process Control for Paving

Applies control charts, moving averages, and process capability to paving test data. Statistical tools detect trends before they produce out-of-specification material.