In Methods B and C, the sample is shoveled into a ____ before it is flattened and divided.

In Methods B and C of aggregate base testing, the sample is gathered into a conical pile before it is flattened and divided for further analysis. The conical shape is crucial because it aids in creating a uniform and homogeneous sample distribution, which is important for accurate testing results. This method helps minimize segregation of the aggregate particles, ensuring that the sample is representative of the total material.

Using a conical pile allows gravity to help settle the aggregates, helping to achieve a more consistent and accurate sample. When the pile is subsequently flattened, it maintains a level of uniformity that is essential for the testing procedures that follow. Other shapes, such as rectangular or cylindrical piles, would not provide the same benefits in terms of particle distribution and could lead to variations in sample composition, impacting the reliability of the test results.