Which statement describes milling?

• A. It adds material to the surface
• B. It removes material to achieve specified width, depth and cross-slope
• C. It coats with tack
• D. It compacts the surface

Answer: (B)

Milling is the process of removing pavement material to bring the surface to a specified width, depth, and cross-slope. A milling machine uses a rotating drum with cutting teeth to shear off a controlled layer of asphalt, planing the surface to the designed dimensions. This removal redefines the surface profile to meet drainage requirements and create a suitable base for an overlay or base repair. It’s an elimination operation rather than deposition, so it isn’t about adding material, applying tack, or compacting; those steps occur in resurfacing and finishing processes after the milled surface is prepared.