South Carolina Asphalt Paving Contractor Examination

According to SCDOT 2007 Standard Specifications Section 205, what is the maximum loose thickness of each successive horizontal layer when constructing an earth embankment (except where rock-fill rules apply)?

• A8 inches
• B12 inches
• C18 inches
• D4 inches

SCDOT 2007 Subsection 205.4.6 requires each earth-embankment layer to be compacted to not less than what percentage of maximum density, using SC-T-29, unless otherwise provided?

• A90.0%
• B92.0%
• C95.0%
• D100.0%

Under SCDOT 2007 Section 208, the subgrade must be compacted to not less than 95.0% of maximum density between lines how far outside the pavement structure (including curb, gutter, and sidewalk as applicable)?

• A6 inches
• B12 inches
• C18 inches
• D24 inches

According to SCDOT 2007 Subsection 208.4.2, when may base, surface course, or pavement be placed on the subgrade?

• AOnly after the subgrade is checked and approved by the RCE, and never on frozen, muddy, o…
• BWhenever the nuclear gauge reads at least 90% density
• CImmediately after a rain if the surface is bladed smooth
• DAs soon as fine grading is finished, even if the RCE has not checked the subgrade

Which roller type is generally the most effective for compacting cohesive clay soils in embankments?

• ASheepsfoot or padfoot roller
• BStatic pneumatic-tire roller only
• CLight landscape plate compactor
• DSmooth steel-wheel roller

SCDOT 2007 Subsection 305.4.3 requires each layer of graded aggregate (macadam) base to be compacted to not less than what density?

• A95.0% of maximum density by SC-T-29
• B98.0% of theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm)
• C100.0% of maximum laboratory density as determined by SC-T-140
• D90.0% of modified Proctor (AASHTO T 180)

A SCDOT graded aggregate base is specified 12 inches compacted. How must it be constructed under Section 305?

• AIn two or more layers of approximately equal thickness, with no layer thicker than 10 inc…
• BIn 8-inch loose earth-fill lifts
• CIn 3-inch lifts like HMA surface course
• DIn one 12-inch compacted layer

SCDOT 2007 Section 211 proof-rolling equipment must be a fully loaded tandem-axle dump truck (or RCE-approved equivalent) with air-filled pneumatic tires at what pressure, and how many passes are required as a minimum?

• A70 to 90 psi and a minimum of 5 passes
• B100 to 120 psi and 1 pass
• C25 to 35 psi and 10 passes
• D40 to 50 psi and 2 passes

Under SCDOT 2007 Section 211, which embankment and subgrade lifts must be proof-rolled before the next lift is placed?

• AOnly the finished subgrade surface
• BEvery lift from original ground to finished grade
• CEach lift that has an elevation of 5 feet or less below finished subgrade elevation
• DOnly rock fills deeper than 5 feet

When rolling a SCDOT graded aggregate base on a tangent (not a superelevated curve), where should rolling start?

• AAt the edge and proceed toward the center
• BOnly on the high side of the crown
• CRandomly so the nuclear gauge can follow the roller
• DAt the centerline and work toward both edges

SCDOT 2007 Subsection 305.4.6 lists prime-coat application rates before HMA or surface treatment on graded aggregate base. What is the specified range for macadam base (and recycled Portland cement concrete base)?

• A0.05 to 0.15 gal/yd²
• B0.10 to 0.15 gal/yd²
• C0.25 to 0.30 gal/yd²
• D0.40 to 0.50 gal/yd²

Why is soil compacted near its optimum moisture content rather than bone-dry or saturated?

• AOptimum moisture lets particles rearrange under the roller so the highest dry density can…
• BSaturated soil always produces the highest dry density
• CBone-dry soil has the lowest air voids and therefore the highest strength
• DMoisture content does not affect dry density if the roller is heavy enough

A nuclear moisture-density gauge on a SCDOT graded aggregate base is used primarily to determine which pair of values in the field?

• AIn-place density and moisture content
• BLos Angeles abrasion and sand equivalent
• CPlasticity index and liquid limit
• DBinder content and theoretical maximum specific gravity

Before placing new embankment against an existing hillside or old fill steeper than 3:1 (measured at right angles to the roadway), SCDOT 205.4.4 requires continuous benching in rises of not less than what height?

• A6 inches
• B8 inches
• C12 inches
• D24 inches

A 24-foot-wide, 800-foot-long lane of graded aggregate base will be placed 8 inches compacted. Using a compacted density of 140 lb/ft³, how many tons of GAB are required (no waste)?

• A896 tons
• B1,075 tons
• C1,792 tons
• D448 tons

Field dry density on a subgrade test is 114.0 lb/ft³. The laboratory maximum dry density by SC-T-29 is 120.0 lb/ft³. What is the percent compaction, and does it meet SCDOT 208.4.1?

• A95.0% — meets the 95.0% minimum
• B94.0% — fails the 95.0% minimum
• C105.3% — exceeds 100% so it must be rejected
• D90.0% — meets a 90% utility-trench standard

A fill must finish 3.25 feet thick after compaction. Earth is placed in 8-inch loose lifts that compact to 6.5 inches. How many lifts are required?

• A6 lifts
• B7 lifts
• C8 lifts
• D5 lifts

SCDOT 2007 Section 301 cement-modified subgrade work includes pulverizing in-place soil, adding Portland cement, mixing, wetting, and compacting. What is the primary purpose of the cement?

• ATo chemically modify and strengthen the existing soil so it can serve as a more stable su…
• BTo replace the need for any subsequent base or pavement
• CTo convert the soil into Portland cement concrete pavement
• DTo waterproof the soil so no drainage is needed

SCDOT 2007 Subsection 401.4.4 prohibits applying HMA when the existing surface is in which condition?

• AWet or frozen
• BTack-coated and broken
• CNewly milled but dry
• DDry and above the minimum ambient temperature

On a SCDOT project, what is the difference between a prime coat and a tack coat?

• APrime is applied to unbound bases such as sand-clay, coquina, or graded aggregate; tack i…
• BBoth terms mean the same application of CRS-2P chip-seal binder
• CTack is only used under concrete pavement
• DPrime is applied between two HMA layers; tack is applied on unbound base

To reduce segregation at the paver, SCDOT 401.4.19 requires HMA to be dumped where in the hopper?

• AIn the center of the hoppers, taking care not to overload or spill material on the base
• BDirectly onto the base in windrows ahead of the paver as the only allowed method
• COnly into a material transfer vehicle, never the paver hopper
• DAgainst one hopper wing so the mix slides to the center

SCDOT 2007 Subsection 401.4.20 requires intermediate rolling of HMA to be completed before the mat temperature drops below what value?

• A225°F
• B200°F
• C175°F
• D140°F

To keep HMA from sticking to a steel-wheel roller, SCDOT 401.4.20 allows the wheels to be moistened. What must not be used?

• AOil
• BAn approved release agent listed by the manufacturer
• CA scraper bar to keep the drum clean
• DA light water spray

Using the SCDOT 401.4.4 weather table, what is the minimum ambient air temperature (measured in the shade by SC-T-84) for placing an HMA lift 1.0 inch or less thick?

• A35.0°F
• B40.0°F
• C45.0°F
• D55.0°F

SCDOT 401.4.4 generally prohibits placing HMA surface courses, including Surface Type E, during which months unless the Director of Construction gives written permission?

• AMarch, April, and May
• BJune, July, and August
• CSeptember, October, and November
• DDecember, January, and February

Before placing HMA on existing pavement or unsealed asphalt surface treatment, SCDOT 401.4.18 requires a uniform tack coat at what residual application rate, measured by SC-T-86?

• A0.05 to 0.15 gal/yd²
• B0.25 to 0.30 gal/yd²
• C0.28 to 0.35 gal/yd²
• D0.02 to 0.04 gal/yd²

Unless the RCE directs otherwise, SCDOT 401.4.19 limits the compacted thickness of any single constructed HMA surface course to a maximum of:

• A2 inches
• B3 inches
• C4½ inches
• D1 inch

When paving against a previously placed HMA lane, SCDOT 401.4.23 requires the paver to overlap the cold-lane edge by how much?

• A1 to 2 inches
• B6 to 8 inches
• COne full screed width
• DFlush with no overlap

On multi-course HMA projects, SCDOT 401.4.23 requires longitudinal joints in successive courses to be offset at least how far, where practicable?

• A6 inches
• B18 inches
• C3 feet
• D2 inches

SCDOT 401.4.17 requires HMA to be delivered to the spreader at a temperature within how many degrees of the temperature set at the plant?

• A5°F
• B10°F
• C20°F
• D50°F

During HMA compaction monitoring, SCDOT 401.4.21 requires density-gauge tests at least every 500 feet per paving-lane width, at randomly selected locations, and at least how far from any unsupported edge?

• A1 foot
• B3 feet
• C10 feet
• D3 inches

Checked with a 10-foot straightedge parallel to the centerline, SCDOT 401.4.27.2 limits the finished HMA surface course to a maximum variation of:

• A⅛ inch
• B¼ inch
• C⅜ inch
• D½ inch

A parking lot 200 feet by 180 feet will receive 2 inches of compacted HMA at 145 lb/ft³. How many tons are required, excluding waste?

• A217.5 tons
• B326.3 tons
• C435.0 tons
• D870.0 tons

Using the common estimating factor of 110 lb per square yard per inch of compacted HMA, how many tons are needed for a 12-foot-wide, 2,640-foot-long lane at 1.5 inches compacted (no waste)?

• A145.2 tons
• B193.6 tons
• C242.0 tons
• D290.4 tons

When two HMA lifts are placed the same day, SCDOT 401.4.19 requires the interior mat temperature of the previous lift to be less than what value, measured at mid-depth by SC-T-84, before the next lift is placed?

• A225°F
• B200°F
• C175°F
• D140°F

SCDOT 401.4.14 full-depth HMA patches must be at least 6 feet by 6 feet with at least 25 feet between patches. Patch mixture is placed in layers not exceeding what compacted thickness?

• A1 inch
• B2 inches
• C3 inches
• D6 inches

SCDOT 401.2.1.1 requires binder conforming to AASHTO M 320. What does the grade PG 64-22 mean?

• APenetration of 64 dmm at 22°C
• BThe binder is intended to perform at a 7-day average maximum pavement temperature of 64°C…
• CKinematic viscosity of 64 cSt at 220°F
• DThe mix must be produced at 64°F and compacted at 22°F

For Interstate facilities, SCDOT 401.2.1.1 specifies which performance-graded binder on the surface course, unless the Contract says otherwise?

• APG 58-22
• BPG 64-22
• CPG 76-22
• DPG 82-22

In SCDOT HMA work, coarse aggregate is defined as the portion of the total aggregate that is:

• ARetained on the No. 200 sieve
• BRetained on the No. 4 sieve
• CPassing the No. 4 sieve
• DPassing the ½-inch sieve

Why does SCDOT require hydrated lime or an approved liquid anti-stripping agent in HMA?

• ATo darken the mix for better night visibility
• BTo improve resistance to moisture damage (stripping) of the asphalt-aggregate bond
• CTo replace the need for any binder in the mix
• DTo cool the mix so it can be compacted in winter

What is RAP as used in SCDOT Section 401?

• AA liquid recycling agent sprayed on old pavement in place of milling
• BRecycled asphalt pavement processed so particles pass a 2-inch screen before entering the…
• CA Portland cement concrete rubble used as HMA coarse aggregate
• DA cutback asphalt used only for winter patching

SCDOT 401.4.7 limits heating of unmodified binder before or after shipment to the plant site to not more than:

• A250°F
• B275°F
• C325°F, or the binder supplier's recommended maximum if lower
• D400°F to ensure complete coating

When hydrated lime is used as the anti-strip, SCDOT 401.4.11 requires blending it with damp aggregate at what rate by weight of dry aggregate, and what daily operating range must be maintained?

• A0.5%, range 0.40% to 0.60%
• B1%, range 0.90% to 1.10%
• C2%, range 1.75% to 2.25%
• D5%, range 4.0% to 6.0%

Except for Surface Type E, SCDOT 401.2.3.5 requires the dust-to-asphalt ratio of intermediate and surface courses to stay within which limits?

• A0.20 to 0.40
• B0.60 to 1.20
• C1.50 to 2.00
• D2.50 to 3.00

For moisture susceptibility, SCDOT 401.2.3.4 requires intermediate and surface mixes to have a minimum wet conditioned strength and tensile strength ratio (TSR by SC-T-70) at mix design of:

• A50.0 psi and 70.0% TSR
• B60.0 psi and 80.0% TSR
• C65.0 psi and 85.0% TSR
• D80.0 psi and 95.0% TSR

For non-fractionated Category 1 RAP, what is the SCDOT 401.2.2.6.5 maximum RAP allowed in Surface Types CM, C, and D?

• A10%
• B15%
• C20%
• D30%

Regardless of the RAP table, SCDOT further limits RAP to a maximum of 15% when the RAP is introduced where?

• AIn the drum mixer
• BIn the hot elevator of a batch plant
• CIn a fractionated RAP cold-feed bin
• DIn the truck bed at the job site