When building a new road base, an excavator is placing compacted granular material. What is the best practice for placing material to achieve an even layer that minimizes subsequent grading time?

Question: When building a new road base, an excavator is placing compacted granular material. What is the best practice for placing material to achieve an even layer that minimizes subsequent grading time?

Answer options:

• Dump large piles of material every few metres and then spread. ✅ Continuously 'string' out the material in a consistent, thin layer as the excavator moves.
• Spread the material by dragging the bucket along the ground, using it like a grader blade.
• Dump all material in one large central pile and let a dozer spread it.

Correct answer: Continuously 'string' out the material in a consistent, thin layer as the excavator moves.

Explanation: Continuously stringing out material in a consistent, even layer minimizes high and low spots, requiring less effort from subsequent grading equipment and improving efficiency.