What does finish rolling determine?

• A. Temperature of asphalt
• B. Type of asphalt binder
• C. Number of passes for each roller (e.g., 3-3-3 or 2-2-3)
• D. Final color of the mat

Answer: (C)

Finish rolling is the final compaction step that sets the surface texture and density of the mat. Because the goal of finish rolling is to bring the pavement to its target density and final surface quality, the process uses a specific plan for how many times each roller should pass over the mat. The pattern of passes—such as three passes, then three, then three (or two-two-three)—expresses how many times each roller type goes over the surface in the finishing stage. That number of passes is chosen to achieve the correct compaction without overworking or crushing the mat. Temperature, binder type, and the mat’s color aren’t determined by how many finish passes are planned; they come from other parts of mix design and construction, while finish rolling focuses on reaching the proper density and surface finish through the intended number of roller passes.