Purpose of Proof Rolling is to identify what?

• A. Soft spots
• B. Air voids
• C. Cracking
• D. Noise level

Answer: (A)

Proof rolling uses a heavy rubber-tired roller to simulate wheel loads on pavement that’s been prepared for an overlay. The main idea is to find soft spots in the subgrade or subbase where the support isn’t adequate. As the roller passes, areas that deflect excessively, show noticeable depressions, or allow the roller to “sit” lower than surrounding areas indicate inadequate support. These soft spots are then addressed with additional compaction, moisture conditioning, or stabilization so the pavement base is uniform and stable before the new asphalt is laid.

Air voids, cracking, and noise level aren’t what this test targets. Air voids are checked with density tests or cores, cracking is evaluated by visual inspection of the pavement surface (and other tests if needed), and noise level isn’t related to identifying base weakness.