What is the purpose of intermediate rolling, and which roller configuration is used?

• A. To increase mat temperature; vibratory mode with warm mix
• B. To remove roller marks and improve aesthetics; steel wheel in static mode with warm mix
• C. To seal joints; pneumatic roller in vibratory mode with cold mix
• D. To compact edges only; any roller with the mat cooled

Answer: (B)

Intermediate rolling serves to smooth the asphalt surface and remove the marks left by the initial pass, helping to blend the mat and create a uniform texture before final finishing. The best way to achieve this is with a steel-wheeled roller in static mode, using warm mix. The smooth steel wheels gently compress and shear the surface without applying the heavy, vibrating action that could pull fines or crush aggregates, which helps eliminate roller marks and improve the surface appearance and planeness. Using static steel wheels with warm mix also takes advantage of the mat’s remaining workability, allowing a light, even consolidation without overworking the mix. The other options don’t fit because they describe actions or configurations that would either overwork the surface, disrupt texture, or be inappropriate for this stage (such as trying to heat the mat further with vibration, using pneumatic or cold-mix conditions, or aiming to compact only the edges).