PIC Lift Thickness & Surface Tolerance 2

Question 1

A contractor places a base course lift measuring 4.2 inches compacted when the specification requires 4.0 inches maximum. What is the inspector's appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Reject the lift for exceeding the maximum thickness tolerance

Answer

Maximum lift thickness specifications exist to ensure proper compaction throughout the depth, and exceeding them is a contractual non-conformance requiring rejection or corrective action.

Question 2

What tool is most commonly used to verify compacted lift thickness in the field?

Accepted Answer

Pin probe or depth gauge inserted through the mat

Answer

A pin probe or depth gauge inserted through the freshly compacted mat directly measures lift thickness at the point of placement.

Question 3

Surface tolerance for a finished wearing course on an interstate highway is typically measured with a how-long straightedge?

Accepted Answer

10-foot

Answer

A 10-foot straightedge is the standard reference length used to check surface smoothness and tolerance on most state DOT specifications for wearing courses.

Question 4

When compacting multiple thin lifts instead of one thicker lift, the primary disadvantage is:

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of tender zone behavior in each lift

Answer

Multiple thin lifts cool faster, increasing tender zone risk where the mix is susceptible to shoving under roller load before it stiffens.

Question 5

A specification allows a surface tolerance of ±0.01 foot from design grade. A measured elevation is 0.013 foot below design grade. The inspector should:

Accepted Answer

Flag the area as out of tolerance and document it

Answer

A reading of 0.013 foot exceeds the ±0.01 foot (±0.12 inch) allowable deviation and must be flagged as out of tolerance per specification.

(PIC) Paving Inspector Certification Practice Test

(PIC) Paving Inspector Certification Practice Test

PIC Lift Thickness & Surface Tolerance 2