PIC Pavement Joints & Longitudinal Seam Construction

Question 1

When placing HMA adjacent to a cold longitudinal joint, what is the recommended overlap of the new mat over the cold edge before rolling begins?

Accepted Answer

1 to 3 in (25 to 75 mm)

Answer

Less than 0.25 in (6 mm)

Answer

4 to 6 in (100 to 150 mm)

Answer

6 to 8 in (150 to 200 mm)

Question 2

A longitudinal 'cold' joint is formed when:

Accepted Answer

The previously placed lane has cooled beyond its compaction temperature range before the adjacent lane is placed

Answer

Paving is performed during nighttime in cool ambient temperatures

Answer

A joint sealant has been applied to the pavement edge

Answer

Two lifts are placed within the same work shift

Question 3

Which paving method best eliminates cold longitudinal joints on multi-lane projects?

Accepted Answer

Echelon (abreast) paving with two or more pavers

Answer

Tandem breakdown rolling pass

Answer

Wedge-and-level course paving

Answer

Cold butt-joint construction with saw cut

Question 4

During breakdown rolling at a longitudinal cold joint, the roller drum should be positioned with approximately how much of its width on the cold previously compacted lane?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 6 inches (150 mm) on the cold lane, with the remainder on the hot lane

Answer

100% of the drum width on the cold lane

Answer

50% on the cold lane and 50% on the hot lane

Answer

No drum contact on the cold lane at all

Question 5

Why is it undesirable to place longitudinal joints beneath vehicle wheel paths?

Accepted Answer

Repeated wheel loading accelerates joint cracking and water infiltration at the seam

Answer

It makes density testing more difficult

Answer

Compaction equipment cannot safely operate in wheel paths

Answer

Joint sealant fails to adhere in high-traffic areas

Question 6

Before placing a new lane against a cold longitudinal joint face, what should the inspector verify has been applied to the vertical face?

Accepted Answer

Tack coat of emulsified asphalt to the vertical joint face

Answer

Portland cement slurry to fill voids in the face

Answer

Prime coat of MC cutback asphalt

Answer

Fog seal sprayed over the exposed joint area

Question 7

An inspector observes that a longitudinal joint is consistently raised 0.5 inches above the adjacent lane after compaction. This condition is most likely caused by:

Accepted Answer

Too much HMA overlap maintained during paving across the cold joint

Answer

Excessive roller speed during joint compaction passes

Answer

Insufficient tack coat applied to the joint face

Answer

The adjacent cold lane was placed at an excessively high temperature