What is a key consideration when choosing fill material for a roadway project?

When selecting fill material for a roadway project, one of the most critical factors is the material's compaction and stability. Compaction refers to the process of densifying the fill material to ensure that it provides a solid foundation that can support the load of traffic and structures built upon it. Proper compaction is essential to minimize settlement and prevent issues like cracking or shifting in the road surface over time.

Stability relates to how well the material can maintain its position and resist erosion or failure under stress. Materials that are not stable can lead to roadbed failure, impacting safety and longevity. Therefore, ensuring that chosen fill material can achieve the necessary compaction and provide adequate stability is crucial for the successful construction and durability of the roadway.

While factors such as transportation costs and source location are also relevant in the selection process, they do not outweigh the importance of the fill material's engineering properties—specifically its ability to compact effectively and support structural integrity. The color of the material, though it may matter aesthetically in some projects, is not a primary consideration in engineering performance for roadway construction.