At temperatures between 85°C (185°F) and 150°C (300°F), the asphalt binder is fluid enough to act as a lubricant in the compaction process aiding movement of the mix aggregates into a dense configuration. As it cools below this temperature range, asphalt becomes very stiff and sticky making further mix densification extremely difficult. Therefore, compaction must be completed before the mix cools to 85°C (185°F). | At temperatures between 85°C (185°F) and 150°C (300°F), the asphalt binder is fluid enough to act as a lubricant in the compaction process aiding movement of the mix aggregates into a dense configuration. As it cools below this temperature range, asphalt becomes very stiff and sticky making further mix densification extremely difficult. Therefore, compaction must be completed before the mix cools to 85°C (185°F). |