Longitudinal Joint Construction

KDOT Spec:

Section 614.3-E-11-B (latest) (b) Longitudinal Joints. Construct well bonded and sealed longitudinal
joints to obtain maximum compaction at the joint. If deemed necessary by the Engineer to properly seal
the joint, apply a light coat of asphalt emulsion or asphalt binder to the exposed edge before the joint is
made. Before placing the fresh HMA against a cut joint or against old pavement, spray or paint the
contact surface with a thin uniform coat of asphalt emulsion or asphalt binder. Where a finishing
machine is used, make the longitudinal joint by depositing a sufficient amount of HMA so that the joint
formed shall be smooth and tight. Offset the longitudinal joint in successive courses by 6 to 12 inches.
Comply with traffic lane edges for the width of the surface of top course placement.

Overland Park Specification 2015 ed. (latest)

Sec. 12.3-I-4-C (c) Offsetting Joints in Intermediate and Surface Courses The surface course shall be
placed so that longitudinal joints of the surface course will not coincide with joints in the intermediate
course by approximately 9 inches. Care shall be taken when possible to offset longitudinal joints in a
manner that the final surface course joint is in the center of the pavement or at the location shown on
the plans.

Lenexa Specification 2017 ed. (latest)

S-300 c. Offsetting Joints in Intermediate and Surface Courses The surface course shall be placed so
that longitudinal joints of the surface course will not coincide with joints in the intermediate course by
approximately 9 inches. Care shall be taken when possible to offset longitudinal joints in a manner that
the final surface course joint is in the center of the pavement or at the location shown on the plans.
Transverse joints in the surface course shall be offset by at least two feet from transverse joints in the
intermediate course.

Excerpt from a presentation from a joint study of the Asphalt institute and FHWA presentation on
joint construction.

For more information provided in this presentation see full presentation.