CO PAVING CONTRACTOR EXAM
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of subgrade preparation in paving?
A. To add aesthetic value
B. To reduce asphalt temperature
C. To provide a stable foundation
D. To increase pavement thickness
Rationale: A well-prepared subgrade ensures structural support and long-
term pavement performance.
2. Which test is commonly used to determine soil compaction?
A. Marshall test
B. Proctor test
C. Slump test
D. Penetrometer test
Rationale: The Proctor test measures optimal moisture and maximum dry
density for soil compaction.
3. What is the typical binder used in hot mix asphalt (HMA)?
A. Cement
B. Lime
C. Asphalt cement
D. Fly ash
Rationale: Asphalt cement binds aggregates in HMA mixtures.
,4. Which piece of equipment is primarily used for finish rolling asphalt?
A. Pneumatic hammer
B. Motor grader
C. Steel drum compactor
D. Vibratory roller
Rationale: Vibratory rollers achieve final density and smoothness.
5. A tack coat is applied to improve what?
A. Pavement color
B. Water drainage
C. Bond between pavement layers
D. Asphalt viscosity
Rationale: Tack coat ensures layers adhere properly to prevent slippage.
6. What is the main purpose of aggregate in asphalt mixtures?
A. Improve color
B. Provide strength and load-carrying capacity
C. Reduce temperature
D. Increase flexibility
Rationale: Aggregates carry loads and determine structural capacity.
7. Which factor most affects asphalt compaction?
A. Wind speed
B. Temperature
C. Color of aggregates
D. Truck size
Rationale: Asphalt must be compacted before it cools below workable
temperature.
8. Which pavement distresses are caused by insufficient compaction?
A. Bleeding
B. Rutting
C. Raveling
D. Polishing
, Rationale: Inadequate compaction leads to permanent deformation under
traffic.
9. What is the ideal moisture condition for compacting soil?
A. Zero moisture
B. Fully saturated
C. Optimum moisture content
D. Random moisture
Rationale: Optimum moisture gives maximum density during compaction.
10. A prime coat is typically applied to:
A. Asphalt surface
B. Granular base
C. Finished pavement
D. Concrete subgrade
Rationale: Prime coat seals and stabilizes granular base layers.
11. What does the term “lift” refer to in asphalt paving?
A. The slope of pavement
B. The temperature drop
C. The roller weight
D. A layer of asphalt placed and compacted
Rationale: Asphalt is placed in multiple lifts for proper compaction and
strength.
12. At what stage is a pneumatic tire roller most effective?
A. Finish stage
B. After cooling
C. Intermediate compaction
D. Before laydown
Rationale: Pneumatic rollers knead the mat, improving density.
13. Which aggregate property affects skid resistance?
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of subgrade preparation in paving?
A. To add aesthetic value
B. To reduce asphalt temperature
C. To provide a stable foundation
D. To increase pavement thickness
Rationale: A well-prepared subgrade ensures structural support and long-
term pavement performance.
2. Which test is commonly used to determine soil compaction?
A. Marshall test
B. Proctor test
C. Slump test
D. Penetrometer test
Rationale: The Proctor test measures optimal moisture and maximum dry
density for soil compaction.
3. What is the typical binder used in hot mix asphalt (HMA)?
A. Cement
B. Lime
C. Asphalt cement
D. Fly ash
Rationale: Asphalt cement binds aggregates in HMA mixtures.
,4. Which piece of equipment is primarily used for finish rolling asphalt?
A. Pneumatic hammer
B. Motor grader
C. Steel drum compactor
D. Vibratory roller
Rationale: Vibratory rollers achieve final density and smoothness.
5. A tack coat is applied to improve what?
A. Pavement color
B. Water drainage
C. Bond between pavement layers
D. Asphalt viscosity
Rationale: Tack coat ensures layers adhere properly to prevent slippage.
6. What is the main purpose of aggregate in asphalt mixtures?
A. Improve color
B. Provide strength and load-carrying capacity
C. Reduce temperature
D. Increase flexibility
Rationale: Aggregates carry loads and determine structural capacity.
7. Which factor most affects asphalt compaction?
A. Wind speed
B. Temperature
C. Color of aggregates
D. Truck size
Rationale: Asphalt must be compacted before it cools below workable
temperature.
8. Which pavement distresses are caused by insufficient compaction?
A. Bleeding
B. Rutting
C. Raveling
D. Polishing
, Rationale: Inadequate compaction leads to permanent deformation under
traffic.
9. What is the ideal moisture condition for compacting soil?
A. Zero moisture
B. Fully saturated
C. Optimum moisture content
D. Random moisture
Rationale: Optimum moisture gives maximum density during compaction.
10. A prime coat is typically applied to:
A. Asphalt surface
B. Granular base
C. Finished pavement
D. Concrete subgrade
Rationale: Prime coat seals and stabilizes granular base layers.
11. What does the term “lift” refer to in asphalt paving?
A. The slope of pavement
B. The temperature drop
C. The roller weight
D. A layer of asphalt placed and compacted
Rationale: Asphalt is placed in multiple lifts for proper compaction and
strength.
12. At what stage is a pneumatic tire roller most effective?
A. Finish stage
B. After cooling
C. Intermediate compaction
D. Before laydown
Rationale: Pneumatic rollers knead the mat, improving density.
13. Which aggregate property affects skid resistance?
