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Smoothness is playing an increasingly important role in paver selection, since most jobs have smoothness bonuses and/or penalties tied to them. “Ride specs are driving a lot in paver selection,” says Devonshire. “The smoother the ride, the higher the bonus.”

There are many factors that go into achieving smoothness, including the size and weight of the machine. Usually, the heavier machines with higher horsepower ratings will yield a smoother road, especially for deeper, wider slabs.

“If you’re paving 8-in. slabs, because of the hydrostatic pressure of the concrete, you can have a little bit lighter machine,” says Devonshire. “But if you’re paving 18 in. deep and multiple lanes on a zero blanking band or IRI spec, then a two-track paver may not have sufficient weight and horsepower to move enough concrete or withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the concrete to keep the paver on grade.”

The pressure will build up and cause the tracks to spin out, which could affect ride quality. “You want as much weight as possible for thicker slabs,” he advises.

Some contractors will only use a four-track paver for mainline paving because ride specifications are so tight, Devonshire states. “Some will even use it to pave lanes that are just 12 ft. wide because it can pave faster, it’s accurate and you get great smoothness. The weight of the four-track paver is distributed better, and four tracks maintain traction better than two,” he says.