Before and after each distributor load of asphalt is sprayed, the asphalt distributor should be strapped. The term “strapped” means a calibrated measuring stick is used to measure the asphalt in the tank. For strip/spot seal coat work, generally the asphalt distributor should be strapped before and after all work is completed for each roadway or at the end of the day, whichever occurs first. When using a computerized asphalt distributor for strip/spot seal coat, the asphalt quantity can be obtained from the gauges on the equipment and strapping is only necessary for calibration purposes.

If payment is by volume, it is necessary to strap the distributor to keep an accurate record of the amount of asphalt that is used on the project. If payment is by weight, the distributor must be strapped to verify the application rate.