What problem is caused by worn kickback augers?

• A. Center screed mat segregation
• B. Improved compaction
• C. Reduced material need
• D. Increased viscosity

Answer: (A)

Kickback augers push material toward the center of the screed to keep the mat evenly fed. When these augers wear, their ability to move mix toward the center diminishes, so the center portion of the mat doesn’t receive the same distribution as the edges. That uneven feeding leads to center screed mat segregation, where the center ends up with a different aggregate or density than the surrounding areas, producing a nonuniform surface finish. This issue isn’t about improving compaction, reducing material use, or changing viscosity—those outcomes come from other parts of the process or material properties, not worn feed augers.