Which of the following is a common cause of an uneven finish after grading?

• A. Irregular blade control
• B. Inconsistent cross slope
• C. Insufficient compaction
• D. Proper blade maintenance

Answer: (C)

Achieving a smooth, uniform finish after grading hinges on packing the material to the correct density. If you don’t compact enough, air voids remain and the soil can settle unevenly under load, moisture changes, or traffic, causing low spots and high bumps across the surface. That’s why insufficient compaction is the best answer—the lack of adequate density leads to a surface that doesn’t stay level. Other factors can affect the grade during work—irregular blade control can create ridges, and inconsistent cross slope can tilt the surface—yet these issues are typically addressed during grading or finishing and don’t explain a persistent uneven finish caused by under-compaction. Proper blade maintenance helps the machine cut evenly, but it alone won’t fix the unevenness that comes from not compacting enough.