VDOT Soils and Aggregate Compaction Exam
Questions and Answers| Updated
T or F - The voids in a saturated soil are partly filled with water and partly filled
with air.
False - They are completely filled with water
What classification system does VDOT use to classify soils?
AASHTO and Unified Soil Classification System
___ refers to the texture and firmness of a soil
Consistency
Silt and clay are made up of particles that are smaller than the ___ sieve.
No. 200 (75um)
What is the distribution of various particles sizes within the material?
Gradation
,___ means that the particles in a mixture are sized so that they fill most of the
voids; there is very little space in between soil or stone particles
Dense graded
What is the moisture content at which a soil begins to behave like a liquid called?
Liquid Limit
What is the behavior of a material where the material deforms under load and
does not go back to it's original shape called?
Plasticity
What is the moisture content at which a soil can be compacted to its maximum
dry density with the least amount of compactive effort called?
Optimum Moisture Content
T or F - A soil that contains a high percentage of fines is more affected by water
than one with a low percentage of fines
True
, T or F - Open graded aggregates are used in a pavement to give the structure
more strength
False - Dense graded aggregates are used in a pavement to give the structure
more strength
T or F - Clearing and Grubbing is required in fill sections less than 5 feet in depth,
in borrow areas before excavation can begin, and in all cut sections.
True
In fill sections where stumps may be left in place, they must be no more than
___ high
6 inches
___ means to crown surface of embankment, roll surface of embankment
smooth, direct water to appropriate erosion and siltation controls
Grading to Drain
What is the first lift of embankment material placed in swampy areas called?
Work Platform
Questions and Answers| Updated
T or F - The voids in a saturated soil are partly filled with water and partly filled
with air.
False - They are completely filled with water
What classification system does VDOT use to classify soils?
AASHTO and Unified Soil Classification System
___ refers to the texture and firmness of a soil
Consistency
Silt and clay are made up of particles that are smaller than the ___ sieve.
No. 200 (75um)
What is the distribution of various particles sizes within the material?
Gradation
,___ means that the particles in a mixture are sized so that they fill most of the
voids; there is very little space in between soil or stone particles
Dense graded
What is the moisture content at which a soil begins to behave like a liquid called?
Liquid Limit
What is the behavior of a material where the material deforms under load and
does not go back to it's original shape called?
Plasticity
What is the moisture content at which a soil can be compacted to its maximum
dry density with the least amount of compactive effort called?
Optimum Moisture Content
T or F - A soil that contains a high percentage of fines is more affected by water
than one with a low percentage of fines
True
, T or F - Open graded aggregates are used in a pavement to give the structure
more strength
False - Dense graded aggregates are used in a pavement to give the structure
more strength
T or F - Clearing and Grubbing is required in fill sections less than 5 feet in depth,
in borrow areas before excavation can begin, and in all cut sections.
True
In fill sections where stumps may be left in place, they must be no more than
___ high
6 inches
___ means to crown surface of embankment, roll surface of embankment
smooth, direct water to appropriate erosion and siltation controls
Grading to Drain
What is the first lift of embankment material placed in swampy areas called?
Work Platform
