Mat Cooling Window — SMA Surface Course
Compaction time window for sma surface course from lift thickness, mix and air temperature (diffusion model).
Stone-mastic asphalt runs hotter out of the plant (polymer binders) and must NOT be over-rolled — the stone skeleton locks early and further passes just crush aggregate. SMA windows are about achieving density in 3–4 passes, not stretching time.
Formula
Note: Paving estimates only — the project mix design, agency specification and the plant's QC data govern. Temperature models are simplified; verify with an infrared gun and density gauge on the mat.
Compaction time window for sma surface course from lift thickness, mix and air temperature (diffusion model). A free asphalt paving temperature & logistics tool — no sign-up, no upload, instant results in your browser.
About Mat Cooling Window — SMA Surface Course
Mat Cooling Window — SMA Surface Course computes the governing relationship τ ∝ h²/k_wind · t = τ·ln[(T_mix−T_env)/(T_stop−T_env)] — lumped diffusion model live as you type. Stone-mastic asphalt runs hotter out of the plant (polymer binders) and must NOT be over-rolled — the stone skeleton locks early and further passes just crush aggregate. SMA windows are about achieving density in 3–4 passes, not stretching time. Defaults are pre-filled with realistic values for this exact scenario, and the worked example substitutes your numbers step by step so the math is never a black box.
How to use Mat Cooling Window — SMA Surface Course
- 1Enter your values — Lift thickness, Mix temp behind paver, Air temperature, Base temperature and more (sensible defaults are pre-filled).
- 2Read the live results: Compaction window, Initial cooling rate.
- 3Check the "with your numbers" line to see τ ∝ h²/k_wind · t = τ·ln[(T_mix−T_env)/(T_stop−T_env)] — lumped diffusion model substituted step by step.
- 4Adjust inputs until the scenario matches yours, then copy or share the result.
Why use Mat Cooling Window — SMA Surface Course?
- ✓Instant, free and private — every calculation runs client-side in your browser; nothing is uploaded
- ✓Built on the stated formula τ ∝ h²/k_wind · t = τ·ln[(T_mix−T_env)/(T_stop−T_env)] — lumped diffusion model with authoritative sources cited on the page (MultiCool / Minnesota DOT mat-cooling research (Chadbourn et al.); NAPA — HMA paving handbook & best practices)
- ✓Stone-mastic asphalt runs hotter out of the plant (polymer binders) and must NOT be over-rolled — the stone skeleton locks early and further passes just crush aggregate.
- ✓SI ⇄ Imperial toggle converts your inputs in place, so you can work in the units your drawings use
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the mat cooling window — sma surface course use?+
It evaluates τ ∝ h²/k_wind · t = τ·ln[(T_mix−T_env)/(T_stop−T_env)] — lumped diffusion model, exactly as published. Sources: MultiCool / Minnesota DOT mat-cooling research (Chadbourn et al.); NAPA — HMA paving handbook & best practices. The substituted worked example on the page lets you verify every step against the textbook.
How should I read the result — and how far can I trust it?+
Stone-mastic asphalt runs hotter out of the plant (polymer binders) and must NOT be over-rolled — the stone skeleton locks early and further passes just crush aggregate. Paving estimates only — the project mix design, agency specification and the plant's QC data govern. Temperature models are simplified; verify with an infrared gun and density gauge on the mat.
When is this calculator the right tool for the job?+
Compaction time window for sma surface course from lift thickness, mix and air temperature (diffusion model). A free asphalt paving temperature & logistics tool. SMA windows are about achieving density in 3–4 passes, not stretching time. For neighbouring scenarios, the related tools below cover the same engine with different presets.
Does it support both metric and imperial units?+
Yes — the SI ⇄ Imperial toggle converts the values already in the fields, preserving the physical quantity, so you can flip mid-calculation without re-entering anything.
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