The layer of mix as it comes out from under the screed, described by its width and loose thickness. Crews talk about mat temperature, mat texture and mat density, and the word sticks with the layer until it is finished and opened to traffic. A uniform mat shows even color and texture edge to edge; streaks, open spots and drag marks point to problems at the plant, in the truck or at the screed.
Mat's 285 behind the screed and the texture looks tight, roll it before that wind cools it off.
Also heard as
- fresh mat
Related terms
Lift
One layer of mix placed and compacted in a single pass of the paver.
Screed
The heated, floating plate assembly at the back of a paver that levels and pre-compacts the mat.
Density
How tightly a compacted asphalt layer is packed, reported as a percentage of its maximum theoretical density.
Segregation
Separation of coarse and fine aggregate, or of hot and cold mix, that leaves open, low-density spots in the mat.