In a shoulder less than 5 ft with FC-5, what cannot be included?

When considering a shoulder that is less than 5 feet wide constructed with FC-5, it is important to note the appropriate application of joints. A joint is a separation in the pavement designed to accommodate movement, and in the case of narrow shoulders, introducing a joint could compromise the integrity and function of the shoulder.

In this context, including a joint in a shoulder less than 5 feet could lead to issues such as increased susceptibility to cracking and pavement distress due to limited space for expansion and contraction. The constraints of a narrow shoulder mean that there is not sufficient room to properly construct a joint without negatively impacting the performance of the surrounding pavement.

On the other hand, drainage features, additional layers of asphalt, and curbs can be reasonably integrated into a shoulder of this size, serving various functions including water management, structural support, and roadway delineation without the adverse effects that a joint would introduce in such a limited space. Thus, the rationale behind not permitting a joint in this scenario reinforces the importance of maintaining the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the roadside shoulder.