Effect of nighttime construction on quality of asphalt paving

The need to meet increasing economic vitality has caused continued deterioration of road surfaces owing to the constant use fueled by high traffic volume. Nighttime paving operations are often seen as a viable solution to reduce traffic disruptions due to maintenance and construction activities. However, state highway agencies (SHAs) are uncertain as to whether the quality of nighttime paving is at the same level of daytime paving. Although percent within limits (PWL) has shown great promise as a quality-based pay factor tool, limited empirical research exists that focuses on using this process as a postconstruction pay tool. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of nighttime and daytime paving on pavement quality using PWL. To achieve the goal of this study, data extracted from a review of existing literature and archival studies were analyzed using multiple statistical tools. This study examines rideability quality for 86 different projects from both nighttime and daytime asphalt paving projects over a 2-year period in South Carolina. It was found that nighttime projects were awarded more rideability bonus payouts while daytime projects were awarded more 100% rideability payouts. This study fills a gap in knowledge and practices by providing relevant information required to use PWL as a tool for measuring, enhancing, and optimizing quality or asphalt pavement. SHAs should consider including PWL in highway contracts as a tool for assessing the quality of projects.