Obtainment of and control of specific asphalt paving densities during roadbed repair by preshaping hot mat top surfaces prior to compaction. Like a shaped munition charge, a preshaped top surface on recently laid hot asphalt mat transmits compaction forces in precalculable directions and carries therewith asphaltic materials so as to obtain desired finished paving densities. A conventional strike off bar is modified with base margin indentations which partially and wholely, according to desired specifications, grade or top dress hot asphaltic mat with desired, force-transmitting planes. Adjunct apparatus is employed by way of translating and rotating plates to partially or wholely cover the indentations so as to effect various, but differing, desired mat surface shapes. An improvement to the conventional vibrating screed is also employed to shape the initial asphaltic mat shape while simultaneously tamping the shape gradually into its desired and compacted final form. This conforming screed is used with the modified strike off apparatus and a roller compactor or may be used in lieu of either.