PIC Pavement Joints & Longitudinal Seam Construction 2

Question 1

A transverse (butt) joint at the start of a new paving day is properly formed by:

Accepted Answer

Cutting back the previously placed mat vertically to full compacted depth

Answer

Feathering the existing mat edge to a gradual taper

Answer

Applying a cold patch flush with the existing surface

Answer

Milling a keyway groove across the full pavement width

Question 2

When ending a paving operation at a transverse joint, the inspector should verify that the mat has been:

Accepted Answer

Cut perpendicular to the paving direction at full compacted depth with a vertical face

Answer

Feathered to a thin edge to blend smoothly with the existing surface

Answer

Raked smooth and left without any cutting

Answer

Sealed immediately with hot joint filler while still above 250°F

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of applying tack coat to a transverse joint face before resuming paving?

Accepted Answer

To promote adhesion between the new HMA and the existing cured asphalt face

Answer

To prevent the new mat from adhering to the cold joint surface

Answer

To accelerate cooling of the new material at the joint

Answer

To satisfy environmental bonding regulations required by the EPA

Question 4

What is the recommended rolling direction for achieving proper density at a transverse joint during breakdown compaction?

Accepted Answer

Roll perpendicular to the joint, beginning on the cold side and moving into the hot mat

Answer

Roll parallel to the joint from the hot side toward the cold side

Answer

Roll diagonally at 45 degrees across the joint

Answer

Avoid direct rolling on the transverse joint face

Question 5

Immediately before paving resumes at a transverse joint, which set of conditions should the inspector verify?

Accepted Answer

The joint area is clean and dry, tack coat has been applied, and the face is cut to full compacted depth

Answer

A prime coat has been applied and the joint area has been trafficked for 30 minutes

Answer

The adjacent lane has been milled to create a smooth entry taper

Answer

Fresh aggregate has been spread over the joint face to improve texture

Question 6

After compaction, the surface elevation at a properly constructed transverse joint should be:

Accepted Answer

Flush with or within the specified smoothness tolerance of the existing surface

Answer

0.25 inch (6 mm) higher than the adjacent surface to allow for traffic wear

Answer

0.25 inch (6 mm) lower to allow for a future overlay

Answer

Elevation at transverse joints is not included in smoothness specifications

Question 7

Which tool is most commonly used by inspectors to evaluate the surface profile across a completed longitudinal or transverse joint?

Accepted Answer

Straightedge or profilograph placed across the joint

Answer

Nuclear density gauge positioned over the joint

Answer

Marshall stability hammer on a core extracted at the joint

Answer

Solvent extraction equipment to check binder content at the seam