Heavy Civil Exam 2 Practice

When finishing the top layer, the goal is a dense, uniform, and smooth surface. A pneumatic-tired roller or a smooth-drum roller achieves this best because both apply the right combination of surface-friendly compaction and surface finish. The pneumatic tires knead and consolidate the mat while tolerating small surface irregularities, and the smooth drum provides steady static pressure to densify and polish the surface without inducing excessive vibration. Using a tamping foot concentrates energy in one spot and can create ridges or roughness, while a vibratory plate can overwork the surface and cause segregation or damage. Doing nothing leaves the layer inadequately compacted. So the last lift should be rolled with a pneumatic or smooth-drum roller.