Temperature – It’s all about the Base
The temperature of the mix on the base after it has passed through the machine is the most important aspect in determining the necessary time of compaction. If the air temperature and/or the base temperature are colder than required for a quality install, the mix will cool too fast, making it nearly impossible to obtain the desired and required compaction level.
If any of these temperatures are lower than the required minimum, you are risking a failing pavement. The end product will likely ravel and fall apart because of improper compaction and installation. Monitoring temperatures and expected wind speed are important in new paving installation jobs, as well as patching repair jobs.