Transverse Joints in Asphalt Pavement

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Transverse joints are formed either at the beginning or the endpoint of an asphalt pavement and are perpendicular to the direction of the pavement. 

Transverse joints are unavoidable at some point of pavement construction due to unexpected working conditions. But it can be minimized by proper planning for construction practices, compaction methods, and startup procedures.

This article discusses the features and types of transverse joints in asphalt pavement construction.

Features of Transverse Joints in Asphalt Pavement

• Transverse joints can form at the beginning, ends, intersection, during shift (night joints), breakdowns, etc.
• Transverse joints can be terminal or construction joints based on the location of joint formation. 
• Terminal joints are formed at the beginning or end of the pavement construction, while construction joints are joints made when the contractors need to shut down the paving due to weather delays, breakdowns, delayed loading, etc. 
• The improper construction of transverse joints results in humps, water clogging, cracks, etc., which affect the overall durability of the pavement.

Types of Transverse Joints in Asphalt Pavement

The two types of transverse joints used in asphalt pavement construction are:

1. Butt joints
2. Tapered joints

1. Butt Joints in Asphalt Pavement

Butt joints are joints with a vertical face, as shown in Figure-2. 

But joints are formed in scenarios when the traffic cannot be permitted to pass over the end of the pavement before resuming the paving. It is formed during new construction, like parking lots, driveways, etc.

2. Tapered Joints in Asphalt Pavement Construction

Tapered joints are constructed when the traffic moves on the pavement before resuming the paving work. The joint is tapered, which acts as a temporary ramp letting the traffic cross. When the traffic starts moving, the tapered portion is removed and forms a vertical joint. 

Transverse joints formed must be properly rolled parallel to the joint. In addition, the combination of the previous asphalt mat and the raised joint thickness must be equal to the expected uncompacted thickness of the new mat.

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