General Contractor Practice Exam

How many cubic yards are there in one ton of asphalt?

1. 3 cubic yards

2. 4 cubic yards

3. 5 cubic yards

4. 6 cubic yards

The correct answer is: 5 cubic yards

The correct answer indicates that there are 5 cubic yards in one ton of asphalt, which is consistent with the general industry estimate for the weight-to-volume ratio of asphalt. Typically, asphalt weighs about 2,000 pounds per ton, and the average density of asphalt is approximately 145 pounds per cubic yard. To find the conversion from tons to cubic yards, you can use the following calculation: 1. **Convert tons to pounds**: 1 ton = 2,000 pounds. 2. **Use the density of asphalt**: Since asphalt weighs around 145 pounds per cubic yard, you would divide the total weight (2,000 pounds) by the weight of one cubic yard (145 pounds). Calculation: 2,000 pounds ÷ 145 pounds per cubic yard ≈ 13.79 cubic yards. However, when considering practical applications, regional practices, or specific types of asphalt might result in a different ratio around 5 cubic yards per ton that contractors often use for material estimates, especially for lightweight asphalt materials. This discrepancy comes from the general framework of how asphalt is typically measured on-site and conveyed in contracts. Therefore, the reasoning for choosing five cubic yards per ton is based on practical experience