What is the effect of asphalt being too hot during paving?

When asphalt is exposed to excessively high temperatures during the paving process, it can lead to the thermal degradation of the material. This phenomenon is often referred to as "cooking" the asphalt. At high temperatures, the volatile components of the asphalt binder can evaporate, leading to a change in its chemical structure and properties. This degradation can result in reduced flexibility, increased brittleness, and overall diminished performance of the asphalt once laid.

Understanding the properties of asphalt and the effects of temperature is critical in ensuring that the material performs optimally in its application. Proper temperature control helps maintain the integrity of the asphalt, allowing it to adhere well to aggregates and perform as expected under load and environmental conditions.

In contrast, while higher temperatures can improve workability and compaction, temperatures that are too high are harmful in the long run. The other options do not address the detrimental impact of excessive heating, focusing instead on perceived benefits that do not align with the reality of asphalt degradation at high temperatures.