According to standard procedures, how is the core location calculated?

The correct calculation for core location is based on understanding the relationship between tonnage, spread rate, width, and the weight of the asphalt material. The formula provided in the correct choice incorporates these elements in a way that aligns with the standard procedures used in asphalt paving.

In this case, the formula takes the total tonnage and factors in both the spread rate and the width of the paving area. By multiplying the spread rate by 9 (which accounts for the conversion from tons to pounds per square yard, since there are 2000 pounds in a ton and commonly, 1 ton covers approximately 9 square yards depending on the material and thickness), the formula effectively finds the area covered by a specific tonnage of asphalt.

After calculating the area this way, dividing by the width gives a direct calculation of how many cores need to be taken relative to the paving operation, thus providing a precise location for quality control in terms of density and thickness of the mat laid down.

This method ensures that the cores taken are representative of the full paving operation, which is vital for assessing the quality and performance of the asphalt during its lifecycle, as well as ensuring compliance with specifications. Understanding the parameters involved in determining core locations is fundamental for effective quality assurance in asphalt