Chapter 3 of 430% of exam

Paving

CSLB weights Paving at about 30% of the C-12 exam, the largest section: roadways, driveways and parking lots, ADA requirements, specialty paving, demolition and pavement repair, and related paving activities. This page is a short survey; the PrepPass C-12 Earthwork and Paving study guide teaches the section with the State specifications, the accessibility numbers and a full practice exam.

Hot mix and concrete paving

Temperature, lift thickness, rolling order and density decide hot mix quality; timing decides concrete pavement.

Placement temperatures
Unmodified binder: 55°F air and 60°F surface for lifts under 0.15 foot; 45°F and 50°F for lifts of 0.15 foot or more.
Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications §39-2.02C
Concrete pavement
Consecutive loads within 30 minutes; 40°F surface for 72 hours; 550 psi before traffic.
Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications §40-1.03

Accessible details

Walks, ramps, curb ramps and parking are measured to the inch under the California Building Code.

Slopes
Running slope 1:20, cross slope 1:48, ramp slope 1:12 with 30-inch maximum rise per run.
2025 CBC §11B-403.3, §11B-405
California parking
Car spaces 108 inches wide, van spaces 144 inches wide, access aisle 60 inches.
2025 CBC §11B-502

Seal coats and specialty surfaces

Every seal coat has a weather window; permeable pavements need clean, uncompacted subgrade.

Weather windows
Fog seal 60°F; slurry seal 50°F; chip seal 65 to 110°F air and 80°F surface.
Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications §37
Permeable pavement
Do not compact the subgrade; keep sediment out of the base.
U.S. EPA, Stormwater BMP: Permeable Pavements

Repair and related work

Repairs start with a clean sawed edge; hot mix opens by mid-depth temperature and concrete by strength.

Saw cuts
2 inches deep before removing asphalt; 1-1/2 inches deep at concrete contraction joints before removing curb or sidewalk.
Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications §39-3.01C, §73-10.03
Opening to traffic
Hot mix below 160°F at mid-depth; concrete pavement at 550 psi modulus of rupture.
Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications §39-2.01C(15), §40-1.03J

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