What does the term "marshaling" refer to regarding asphalt cores?

The term "marshaling" in the context of asphalt cores refers to the process of collecting and preparing samples for testing. This is a crucial step in quality control for asphalt paving as it ensures that the samples taken are representative of the materials used in the project. Proper marshaling involves organizing the cores so that they are free from contamination and accurately reflect the in-situ conditions of the pavement. This way, when tests are performed on the samples, the results will help assess the quality and performance characteristics of the asphalt mixture.

Each of the other choices pertains to different aspects of asphalt evaluation or testing but does not encapsulate the definition of marshaling. Evaluating surface texture, determining weight, and measuring density are specific testing procedures that occur after marshaling has been properly executed.