Materials Sampling and Testing Flashcards
7 cards from real CTQP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Materials Sampling and Testing flashcards as text
When performing a field density test using the nuclear gauge method, the gauge must be kept at least how far from any wall or vertical obstruction?
Answer: 12 inches
Nuclear gauges must be kept at least 12 inches from walls or vertical obstructions to prevent backscatter interference that could affect readings.
Which AASHTO standard governs the procedure for reducing field samples of aggregate to testing size?
Answer: AASHTO T 248
AASHTO T 248 covers the standard method of test for reducing samples of aggregate to testing size using splitting or quartering techniques.
A bituminous mixture sample collected from behind the paver should be tested for temperature within how many minutes of sampling?
Answer: 10 minutes
Mix temperature must be measured within 10 minutes of sampling to ensure the reading accurately reflects the in-place material condition.
The term 'lot' in materials acceptance testing typically refers to:
Answer: A defined quantity of material for statistical acceptance purposes
A lot is a defined quantity of material (such as a specified tonnage or lane-miles) used as the statistical unit for acceptance sampling and testing.
When sampling hot mix asphalt from a truck, the standard practice is to discard how much material from the tailgate before collecting the sample?
Answer: The first few shovelfuls
The first few shovelfuls from the tailgate are discarded because edge material may be unrepresentative due to segregation during haul.
Which test method is used to determine the percentage of crushed faces in coarse aggregate per FDOT and AASHTO specifications?
Answer: AASHTO T 335
AASHTO T 335 covers the standard method for determining the percentage of fractured particles in coarse aggregate, often required for HMA and base course specifications.
If a concrete cylinder breaks at the cap rather than at the midpoint during a compressive strength test, the result is typically:
Answer: Acceptable if the break pattern meets ASTM C39 criteria
ASTM C39 defines acceptable fracture patterns; a cap break (Type 5 or 6) may still be reported if it meets the standard's criteria for an acceptable failure mode.