How far apart should longitudinal joints be staggered?

Longitudinal joints should be staggered between 6 to 12 inches to ensure proper interlock and to minimize the potential for reflective cracking. This distance helps enhance the structural integrity of the pavement by providing a more uniform distribution of stresses across the surface. By staggering the joints within this specified range, the risk of water infiltration and damage to the underlying layers is also reduced.

This practice is crucial in asphalt paving as it contributes to creating a more durable and long-lasting pavement surface, leading to a better overall performance of the roadway. Maintaining the correct staggering gaps helps to improve the aesthetics of the finished product while also facilitating effective construction practices.

Other choices may not provide the optimal spacing necessary to achieve the required joint integrity and could lead to less durable pavement surfaces. Hence, the specified range of 6 to 12 inches is the standard recommendation for staggering longitudinal joints in asphalt paving.