Bedding shall be sufficiently dry.

• A. Bedding shall be sufficiently dry.
• B. Bedding shall be wet.
• C. Bedding shall be damp.
• D. Bedding shall be frozen.

Answer: (A)

Keeping bedding sufficiently dry is essential for a stable, uniform foundation under the pipe. Dry bedding compacts evenly around the pipe and provides predictable support, so the pipe holds its proper grade and alignment once backfill is placed. If the bedding is wet or damp, it can slump, wash out, or shift during backfilling, creating voids and allowing unequal settlement or movement that can lead to misalignment or leaks. In cold weather, water in bedding can freeze and cause frost heave, lifting or shifting the pipe. So the best choice emphasizes that dryness supports the pipe structure and long-term integrity, whereas moisture in the bedding undermines that stability.