PIC Lift Thickness & Surface Tolerance 3

Question 1

AASHTO and most state DOTs specify that the maximum particle size in a hot mix asphalt lift should not exceed what fraction of the compacted lift thickness?

Accepted Answer

One-half

Answer

Maximum aggregate size must not exceed one-half the compacted lift thickness to prevent bridging and ensure uniform compaction through the full depth.

Question 2

An inspector observes that a 2-inch wearing course lift is being placed over a base course with 0.5-inch surface irregularities. What is the likely consequence for surface tolerance?

Accepted Answer

The irregularities will telegraph through, causing out-of-tolerance finished surface

Answer

Surface irregularities in underlying courses telegraph through thin lifts because the paver screed follows the existing surface, reproducing variations in the finished mat.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a profilograph or inertial profiler in pavement inspection?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating longitudinal surface smoothness after compaction

Answer

A profilograph or inertial profiler measures the longitudinal profile of the pavement surface to quantify ride quality and identify areas exceeding smoothness tolerance.

Question 4

International Roughness Index (IRI) is expressed in units of:

Accepted Answer

Millimeters per kilometer

Answer

IRI is expressed in millimeters per kilometer (or equivalently inches per mile), representing the accumulated suspension travel of a reference vehicle per unit distance.

Question 5

A specification requires a base course compacted thickness of 3.0 inches with a tolerance of –0.5 inch. A core shows 2.4 inches. This result:

Accepted Answer

Fails the specification because it is below the minimum allowable 2.5 inches

Answer

The minimum allowable thickness is 3.0 – 0.5 = 2.5 inches; a core measuring 2.4 inches is deficient and fails the thickness specification regardless of density.

(PIC) Paving Inspector Certification Practice Test

(PIC) Paving Inspector Certification Practice Test

PIC Lift Thickness & Surface Tolerance 3