Pavement Joints & Longitudinal Seam Construction Flashcards
7 cards from real PIC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pavement Joints & Longitudinal Seam Construction flashcards as text
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?
Answer: 1 to 3 in (25 to 75 mm)
A 1 to 3 inch overlap allows the roller to press the hot mix back flush with the joint line, sealing the seam and improving density at the edge.
A longitudinal 'cold' joint is formed when:
Answer: The previously placed lane has cooled beyond its compaction temperature range before the adjacent lane is placed
Once the existing lane cools below the minimum rolling temperature, it can no longer be compacted together with the new lane, classifying it as a cold joint requiring special preparation.
Which paving method best eliminates cold longitudinal joints on multi-lane projects?
Answer: Echelon (abreast) paving with two or more pavers
In echelon paving, adjacent lanes are placed simultaneously so both mats remain hot at the joint, allowing them to be compacted together for improved density and bond.
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?
Answer: Approximately 6 inches (150 mm) on the cold lane, with the remainder on the hot lane
Placing about 6 inches of the drum on the cold lane and the rest on the hot lane compacts the new material toward the joint without displacing the set pavement.
Why is it undesirable to place longitudinal joints beneath vehicle wheel paths?
Answer: Repeated wheel loading accelerates joint cracking and water infiltration at the seam
Wheel paths subject joints to high cyclic stresses and water infiltration, which accelerate raveling and longitudinal cracking at the seam over time.
Before placing a new lane against a cold longitudinal joint face, what should the inspector verify has been applied to the vertical face?
Answer: Tack coat of emulsified asphalt to the vertical joint face
Tack coat applied to the vertical cold joint face promotes adhesion between the new hot-mix and the cured asphalt lane, improving bond and reducing water infiltration.
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:
Answer: Too much HMA overlap maintained during paving across the cold joint
Excessive overlap of the new lane over the cold joint results in a high ridge after rolling because the surplus material has insufficient space to compact flush.