The objective of the infrared joint heating system is to obtain a hot joint during conventional
longitudinal joint construction. The infrared joint heating system consists of two or three preheaters
and one paver-mounted heater. The preheaters, which are connected in series, are towed with a
small tractor over the joint approximately 100 ft (30 m) ahead of the paver. Propane cylinders are
used to feed the infrared heaters..