Does the ground have to be completly dry to lay asphalt?

Question

Question sums it all.

They tore up our parking lot about 3 weeks ago, we got a lot of rain, they said they would be done in a few days, but it been raining about once a week and they said the ground has to be completely dry to lay the asphalt.

True or not? Doesn't make sense to me

Answer 1

Heck yes it's true.

Lets have a basic understanding here.Regardless if it's concrete or asphalt the job is only as good as the prep work.Once the sub grade becomes wet/soggy the prep work and compaction has been compromised.

On many,many,many commercial jobs compaction test are required.If it fails the compaction test they will not be able to lay down the asphalt/concrete until it passes.There are many job superintendents that literly cry when they get that much rain and a pressing schedule.

See 3.3 and 3.4

My Best

Answer 2

yes the surface has to be dry if its wet the hot mix will cool down too quick making the material hard to level out and making a rough surface and the hot mix will boil the wet surface and could cause splatters of hot tar and steam and burn the workers

Answer 3

Asphalt isnt layed on the earth,its run on top of crushed stone.so no,it does not have to be dry to asphalt a parking lot.Now,you cant run asphalt in the rain,the hotter the weather the better,but no,the crushed stone keeps asphalt from direct contact with the ground.

Unless they are recoating over top of existing asphalt,then it does have to be completely dry,they sweep the asphalt

clean,then coat it with hot oil to help the new adhere to the old.

OK people,READ,asphalt isnt run directly on the raw earth,its run on top of crushed ,compacted stone,just me,please,with the books,huh,nothing beats on the job experience.