Practice Test Geeks(NETTCP) New England Transportation Technician Certification Program Practice Test
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Asphalt Technology Flashcards

7 cards from real NETTCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Asphalt Technology flashcards as text

  1. What does the Superpave performance grade designation PG 70-28 indicate?

    Answer: The binder passes high-temp tests at 70°C and low-temp tests at -28°C

    Superpave PG grades specify the maximum pavement temperature (70°C) and minimum pavement temperature (-28°C) at which the binder meets performance requirements.

  2. Which test measures the resistance of compacted asphalt specimens to deformation under repeated loading, simulating traffic?

    Answer: Hamburg wheel-track test

    The Hamburg wheel-track test rolls a steel wheel over submerged, compacted specimens to measure rutting depth and stripping susceptibility.

  3. What is the main purpose of a prime coat applied to an untreated base course?

    Answer: To penetrate and bind the base surface and promote adhesion of HMA

    Prime coats penetrate granular bases, binding loose particles and providing a bonding surface for the overlying asphalt layer.

  4. What pavement distress is identified by longitudinal depressions in the wheel paths caused by plastic deformation?

    Answer: Rutting

    Rutting is permanent longitudinal deformation in the wheel paths resulting from repeated traffic loads causing plastic flow in the asphalt layers.

  5. Which specification governs the gradation requirements for aggregates used in Superpave mix design?

    Answer: Control points and restricted zone (now optional) on the 0.45-power gradation chart

    Superpave uses control points and the 0.45-power gradation chart to ensure aggregate gradation passes through specified limits for proper mix performance.

  6. What does 'VMA' stand for in asphalt mix design, and why is it important?

    Answer: Voids in the Mineral Aggregate — the total void space among aggregate particles, including air voids and binder

    VMA represents the total void space in the aggregate skeleton; adequate VMA ensures enough room for asphalt binder plus air voids, which is essential for durability.

  7. What is the purpose of the rolling thin-film oven test (RTFO) on asphalt binders?

    Answer: To simulate short-term aging of binder during plant production and compaction

    The RTFO exposes thin binder films to heat and airflow, simulating the aging and hardening that occurs during hot-mix plant production.