Crew practice at a longitudinal joint: the screed end gate runs about 1 to 1.5 inches over the edge of the previous pass, and the new mat is set higher than the old by the expected roll-down. Done right, the roller compresses the hot side level with the cold side and pinches the joint tight. Overlap too much and the rakers must bump the excess; overlap too little and an open, low seam forms.
Joint matching's off, you're three inches over the cold side, pull the extension in before the raker has to dig it out.
Veterans check the overlap with a tape on the first pull of the day; anything past an inch and a half turns into extra work for the rakers.
Also heard as
- matching the joint
Related terms
Longitudinal joint
The seam running lengthwise between two adjacent paving passes, the usual weak spot in an asphalt road.
Roll-down
The amount a loose mat drops in thickness as the rollers compact it.
Bump
To push excess mix off the old side of a joint back onto the hot mat with a lute so the rollers can pinch it in.
Screwman
Crew slang for the screed operator, who sets mat thickness, slope and width at the back of the paver.