While your state may offer a handful of longitudinal joint building options, one method of construction is the notched wedge joint. This construction method will allow you to achieve a level of density in the lower portion of the joint before the cool weather of November and December interrupt your density achievements.
Here are three tips:
Quick Tip 1: Don’t overcompact the lower 12 inches of the wedge. Jerod Willow of Willow Designs explained that you’re not after complete compaction of the 12-inch wedge until the adjacent lane is placed on top of it. Because the wedge is essentially a thin lift, the pneumatic tire of Willow’s notch wedge system offers a kneading and tightening action without breaking aggregate in the lower lift.
Quick Tip 2: Be liberal in your use of tack on the vertical wedge walls prior to placing the adjacent lane.
Quick Tip 3: When rolling the adjacent lane, keep the breakdown roller about 12 to 15 inches to the inside of the joint on the first pass to stabilize the material over the top of the joint. On the second pass, the operator can shift over to compact the 12- to 15-inch portion, forcing the material straight down into the joint.
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