General Contractor Practice Exam

How is the amount of asphalt in tons calculated?

1. Width (in feet) x length (in feet) x depth (in inches)

2. Width (in feet) x length (in feet) x depth (in inches) / 160

3. Width (in feet) x length (in feet) x depth (in inches) x 150 lb/cu ft

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Width (in feet) x length (in feet) x depth (in inches) / 160

The correct method for calculating the amount of asphalt in tons involves understanding the volume of asphalt required and converting that volume into weight. To find the volume, you indeed start with the dimensions: width (in feet) multiplied by length (in feet) multiplied by depth (in inches). This initial calculation provides the volume in cubic inches. However, to convert cubic inches to tons (a weight measurement), you have to consider the density of asphalt. The density of asphalt is typically about 150 pounds per cubic foot. Given that there are 12 inches in a foot, you convert the depth in inches to a foot-based measurement. The formula in the correct answer divides the cubic inches by 160 because there are 1,728 cubic inches in a cubic foot (12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches), and when converting from cubic inches to cubic feet, you would divide the total inches by 1,728. Then, by knowing that one cubic foot of asphalt weighs approximately 150 lbs, you incorporate that into your calculation. Therefore, the choice that represents this process emphasizes the conversion from the volume in cubic inches to tons through the appropriate divisor and conversion factor, making it clear how the weight of the asphalt is derived based on its