When quartering, what is the final procedure after forming the pile?

The final procedure in the quartering method after forming the pile is to flatten it with a shovel. This step is crucial because it ensures that the material is uniformly distributed and helps in creating an even surface for accurate sampling. Flattening the pile allows for the selection of representative subsamples, which is essential for consistent and reliable test results.

By creating a level and stable surface, the technician can more effectively divide the material into quarters, ensuring that each portion is evenly representative of the whole pile. This practice is an essential part of maintaining quality control in aggregate sampling and testing procedures.

Other procedures like letting it settle, measuring temperature, or weighing the sample would typically occur at different stages in the process and are not the final action taken after forming the pile during quartering.