PIC Pavement Joints & Longitudinal Seam Construction 3

Question 1

A notched wedge joint is designed primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a tapered, stepped edge profile that improves compaction and density at the joint

Answer

The notched wedge creates a gradually tapered wedge with a small vertical notch that allows better roller access and improved density along the joint edge compared to a straight vertical face.

Question 2

The wedge taper of a notched wedge joint is typically constructed with a horizontal-to-vertical slope of approximately:

Accepted Answer

12:1 (horizontal to vertical)

Answer

The 12:1 horizontal-to-vertical slope creates a gradual enough taper for the roller to achieve better edge compaction than is possible with a vertical butt joint face.

Question 3

The vertical 'notch' at the bottom of a notched wedge joint is typically cut to a depth of approximately:

Accepted Answer

One-third to one-half of the compacted lift thickness

Answer

The vertical notch at one-third to one-half lift depth provides a surface area for tack coat and creates a mechanical key that helps lock the adjacent lane in place at the most critical zone.

Question 4

During notched wedge joint construction, the notch-cutting attachment is typically operated:

Accepted Answer

Simultaneously with paving by the paver operator or paving crew as part of the paver setup

Answer

The notch-cutting attachment is mounted on the paver screed and is operated simultaneously with paving, so the inspector must verify it is correctly set before paving begins.

Question 5

After the adjacent lane is placed against a notched wedge joint, where should the inspector focus density testing efforts?

Accepted Answer

At the joint area and free edge, which are most vulnerable to under-compaction

Answer

The joint area and free pavement edge are the hardest locations to compact, so density testing must be concentrated there to confirm that specification minimums are achieved.

(PIC) Paving Inspector Certification Practice Test

(PIC) Paving Inspector Certification Practice Test

PIC Pavement Joints & Longitudinal Seam Construction 3