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.

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  1. Which type of asphalt mix is typically used for open-graded friction course (OGFC) applications?

    Answer: Gap-graded or open-graded mix with 15–20% air voids

    OGFC mixes are intentionally open-graded with high air void content (15–20%) to allow water to drain through the surface, reducing hydroplaning.

  2. In reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) usage, what must be done to account for the aged binder already in RAP material?

    Answer: Increase the virgin binder grade to compensate for stiffened RAP binder

    Because RAP contains stiff, aged binder, the virgin binder grade is often softened (lower high-temp grade) to blend with RAP binder and achieve the target PG grade.

  3. What is 'shoving' in asphalt pavement, and what commonly causes it?

    Answer: Transverse displacement of the pavement surface caused by braking or turning forces on unstable mix

    Shoving is a form of plastic deformation where traffic braking or turning forces push asphalt laterally, creating humps or waves, often from mix instability.

  4. What is the function of mineral filler (material passing the No. 200 sieve) in an asphalt mix?

    Answer: To fill the void space between larger aggregates and stiffen the asphalt mortar

    Mineral filler fills microscopic voids between aggregate particles and stiffens the asphalt mastic, improving mix stability and durability.

  5. Which test is used to evaluate moisture sensitivity (stripping susceptibility) of a compacted asphalt mix?

    Answer: Tensile strength ratio (TSR) test per AASHTO T 283

    The TSR test compares the tensile strength of conditioned (water-soaked) specimens to unconditioned specimens; a ratio below 0.80 indicates moisture susceptibility.

  6. What does 'raveling' describe as a pavement distress mode?

    Answer: Progressive loss of aggregate from the pavement surface due to loss of binder adhesion

    Raveling occurs when the asphalt binder fails to hold aggregate particles together, leading to surface deterioration and loss of aggregate.

  7. In New England climates, which pavement distress is most directly associated with freeze-thaw cycles and poor drainage?

    Answer: Thermal cracking and pothole formation

    Freeze-thaw cycles cause water in pavement cracks to expand as ice, widening cracks and dislodging chunks of pavement to form potholes.