Earthwork Level 2 Practice Exam

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• What is the minimum density requirement for QC testing expressed as a percentage of the Standard Proctor maximum density?
• Which statement about the area-volume method is accurate?
• Which statement correctly pairs the proctor method with its method number?
• Which item is listed third in the governing order of documents?
• Is under tolerance of mixing depth allowed?
• Which item is listed second in the governing order of documents?
• What unit is used to express dry density in the project specifications?
• Select material usage: Which statement is true?
• Which of the zones requires that material be placed in layers not to exceed 12 inches in compacted thickness?
• Which method relies on cross-sections and plan-view calculations to estimate earthwork quantities?
• What is the maximum PI value allowed for stabilizing material?
• What is the minimum length of embankment to be constructed?
• Is the LBR value affected by moisture at the time of compaction?
• Which method uses digital terrain models, volumes, and 3D data to improve accuracy in earthwork estimation?
• If the surface is A-2-7 Soil Groups after removing unsuitable material, compact the surface with a sheepfoot roller exerting a compression of at least what psi on the tamper foot for the full width of the roadbed?
• In subsoil excavation, the excavation and disposal of muck, clay, rock, or any other material that is unsuitable in what position?
• What is the prismoidal formula for volume between two cross-sections?
• How are finish grade tolerances defined and checked?
• Which entity conducts the test on the RT sample when QC and VT do not meet the maximum density specification?
• What is a layer of 6 inches compacted thickness for full width called?
• If Unsoaked LBR 40 equals 43 with a tolerance of 0.0, which measured value would be acceptable?
• When placing backfill, a backfill material with a moisture content of what should be on the dry side of optimum?
• Which item is listed fourth in the governing order of documents?
• In the Earthwork Record System, what are the two parts?
• For the Bedding Zone, if the trench was undercut below the bottom of the pipe, what should you do?
• Name common pay items related to earthwork.
• What is the typical lift thickness for granular soils per lift?
• Which of the following is NOT typically included in an earthwork change order?
• Select material may be used where in the flexible pavement embankment construction?
• What is the maximum particle size permitted below 24 inches in an embankment?
• What is a typical final-slope ratio for earth fills in good soils?
• Which of the following is NOT typically a factor influencing the choice of equipment for earthwork?
• Which statement describes how swell factor is used in estimating loose excavation volumes?
• When should the coding of the Earthwork Record Keeping System be performed?
• What is the method number for the Modified Proctor?
• What sets the 1:2 slope in rural construction?
• What is the purpose of ditches and culverts in earthwork projects?
• Depth to remove roots and debris during excavation or embankment work?
• Narrow widening strips are defined as how many feet?
• For a thick lift test section how many QC density tests are taken?
• Which Proctor test is typically used for embankment and structure backfill materials?
• How are testing locations determined and who are they approved by?
• The verification density testing frequency for pipe and structures is one test per how many LOTs?
• Which of the following is included in the LOT scope?
• Minimum density after compaction on stabilized subgrade.
• What factors influence lift thickness for granular soils?
• Which test method is used for Maximum Density verification?
• No clearing and grubbing within how many feet of a right-of-way?
• Which document comes first in the governing order of documents?
• Do not mix RAP in what?
• What is lift thickness and why uniform lifts matter for compaction?
• A minimum of what QC density in any LOT should be obtained?
• Why is drainage critical in earthwork and how is it integrated into design?
• To prepare for soil slope, what needs to be removed?
• Which statement best describes the maximum soil lift thickness within the 6-12 inch range?
• Where must borrow material be from?
• No clearing and grubbing within how many feet of a right-of-way?
• Which test measures in-situ density and moisture content quickly?
• How thick should the loose soil layer mix with the 4 inch max layer of RAP?
• Which zone's bedding rule requires placement of bedding material and leaving it in a loose condition below the middle third of the outside diameter of the pipe?
• What cross-section spacing is typically used for highway projects when using the end-area method?
• What is an earthwork change order and when is it used?
• What is the benefit of 3D earthwork modeling over 2D methods?
• Who must authorize exceeding the default limit of Initial Equipment Comparisons per project?
• What is the name of the zone that extends from the bottom of the pipe to 12 inches above the pipe?
• The zone that lies from the bottom of the pipe to 12 inches above the pipe is called:
• What is the main difference between 2D cross-section estimation and 3D digital terrain modeling?
• In the event of a QC density exceeding the Proctor maximum by 5%, where is the independent verification test performed?
• How far below the ground surface for excavation or embankments should roots and other debris be removed?
• Which density excludes water, considering only soils and solids?
• Which statement correctly distinguishes swell and shrinkage of soils?
• Which density describes the weight of soils and solids occupying a unit volume?
• Which of the following best describes the impact of 3D scanning on earthwork estimation?
• A single lift of compacted material not exceeding 500 ft is called what?
• What is benching and when is it required in excavation?
• The Earthwork Record Keeping System serves as a basis for what?
• Which LL-PI pair is within the specified limits for stabilization material?
• In earthwork sequencing, what comes after bulk excavation and rough grading?
• Unsoaked LBR 40 value and tolerance.
• Which option best describes the material identified as Select (A-3, A-4)?
• Material used for stabilizing can have maximum LL and PI values.
• Initial equipment comparison is not to be performed more than how many times per project, unless instructed by the engineer?
• How should spoil be managed on a project?
• Under what circumstances is over-excavation warranted and how is it treated?
• For the Standard Proctor, what is the required Maximum Density?
• For pipe lines placed above the natural ground line, the embankment should be constructed at what minimum width prior to excavating the trench?
• When placing and compacting backfill around structures in wet conditions, mechanical tampers are not permitted. Which material is required?
• Construct soil in 6-12 inch compacted lifts and RAP in alternate layers with 6 inch maximum compacted lifts. What is the maximum soil lift thickness?
• Export cut refers to material removed from site for disposal or reuse elsewhere.
• Explain the sequencing of earthwork phases for a road project.
• What is a typical output of a 3D earthwork model?
• Narrow widening strips are defined as how many feet?
• What tolerance must be met for the removal of plastic soils below the finished earthwork grade?
• In which zone should the soil be compacted to approximately match the density of the soil in which the trench was cut?
• Explain how a scraper operates.
• What is the verification density testing frequency for pipe and structures?
• If the Plans do not provide for stabilizing, compact the subgrade and it becomes what?
• What is the depth for plowing after root removal?
• How do rough grading and finish grading differ?
• What is the typical lift thickness for cohesive soils per lift?
• What are the organic content limits for determining organic materials?
• How would you estimate volumes for a site with multiple soil types along the alignment?
• Which activity may be performed, if required, to verify subgrade readiness for pavement layer placement?
• How should soil and RAP layers be constructed?
• In earthwork terminology, what does borrow refer to?
• Import fill in earthwork estimating refers to material brought in to raise grade.
• QA/QC primary purpose in earthwork projects?
• In the Initial Equipment Comparison, what value is compared?
• What is it called when moisture is drawn up by capillary action to the surface of the material being compacted?
• The top 12 inches of an embankment may not include particles larger than which size?
• For the Bedding Zone, if the trench was not undercut below the bottom of the pipe, what should you do?
• What is the purpose of density tests and how often should they be performed?
• What factors influence lift thickness for cohesive soils?
• For the Modified Proctor, what is the required Maximum Density?
• Embankment plots in the density log book are typically how long?
• During rough grading, what is the primary goal?
• What is the difference between the area-volume method and end-area method in practice?
• Which statement correctly describes in-situ density?
• How should the backfill be compacted?
• How do you determine if a final subgrade is ready for pavement layer placement?
• Which density measurement is used as the reference for QC testing?
• In which zone is the 12-inch maximum layer thickness applied?
• Would a stabilizing material with LL 40 and PI 9 meet the requirement?
• How can 3D scanning enhance earthwork estimation accuracy?
• What will the Engineer do when a QC computed dry density results in a value greater than 105% of the applicable Proctor maximum dry density?
• Who approves testing locations that are determined by a random number generator?
• How are volumes adjusted for swell and shrinkage in project estimates?
• What is a borrow pit and what considerations apply when using borrow material?
• Which Design Standard drawing number sets forth removal of organic material requirements?
• Which statement describes the relationship between swell factor and shrinkage factor?
• The remaining surface after removing unsuitable material is classified as which soil group?
• Which test measures in-situ density by determining the volume of sand required to fill a hole?
• Why is balancing cut and fill often a design objective?
• Name two machines commonly used for rough grading and their roles.
• Explain the role of survey, staking, and grade control in achieving final earthwork tolerances.
• For gauges of the same manufacturer, the dry density results compare within what tolerance? 2 pcf; 3 pcf
• Which reference standard is used for calculating minimum compaction density after stabilization?
• Why is the moisture content of subgrade soil critical for pavement performance?
• Minimum density after compaction expressed as percent of FM 1 T-180?
• What is a typical excavation slope ratio for trenches or cuts in general soils?
• What are subgrade and base layering in pavement design?
• Take cross-sections at regular stations along the alignment, compute the area of each section, and multiply by the spacing; sum the volumes between successive sections.
• For shoulder-only areas, bike/shared use paths, and sidewalks areas, what is the defined size of a lot?
• When placing RAP materials, what maximum layer thickness should be obtained?
• How is percent compaction calculated?
• What is the purpose of the end-area method in earthwork?
• In earthwork terminology, what does spoil refer to?
• There are how many Earthwork Record Systems per Contract?
• If the top of the pipe is greater than 15 inches below the bottom of the base, what density is required in the Cover Zone?
• Which zone is directly beneath the pipe?
• What should you do when no Resolution testing is required for 12 consecutive verified LOTs or if it is required, the QC data was upheld?
• Which Proctor test is typically used for base, subgrade, and MSE wall backfill materials?
• What is Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and its role in compaction?
• What is the verification criterion for Maximum Density (Proctor)?
• Which packaging condition is required for geosynthetic materials when delivered to the job site?
• What is the tolerance for Unsoaked LBR 40?
• Can wet backfill with a moisture content greater than optimum in the fill be placed?
• What is the maximum particle size permitted in the top 12 inches of an embankment?
• Which statement defines swell factor?
• Which LL-PI pair is within the specified limits?
• Why would the Engineer reject the material at time of installation?
• The proof rolling requires at least how many passes?
• What term describes a single lift of compacted material?
• Plastic material may be used where in embankment construction?
• The cover zone backfill must achieve 95% of the Standard Proctor maximum density when the cover height exceeds how many inches?
• Which statement correctly defines dry density, moist density, and in-situ density?
• The minimum density target must meet which standard?
• Which statement correctly pairs the proctor method with its standard number?
• Which statement best defines cut in earthwork terms?
• Proof rolling must be performed in the presence of which professional?
• What is it called when compactive effort does not penetrate the full thickness of the lift being compacted?
• What minimum density of the Modified Proctor maximum density as determined by FM 1 T-180 should be obtained within the entire limits of the width and depth of the areas to be stabilized?
• What is the maximum LL value for stabilizing material?
• Which equipment is specified for compacting the surface when the excavated area is left with A-2-7 Soil Groups?
• Which two parts make up the Earthwork Record System under contract?
• To prevent failure during compaction of the overlying RAP layer, what should the minimum LBR value of the soil be?
• What is compaction?
• What term describes a layer of 6 inches compacted thickness for full width?
• The percentage of fines passing the No. 200 US Standard sieve in the A-2-4 material should not exceed?
• In the absence of stabilization provisions, the compacted subgrade is classified as what type of embankment?
• What are control points or benchmarks used for?
• Which factors are used to forecast trucking requirements from earthwork volume?
• Which zone sits directly above the Bedding Zone and includes space up to 12 inches above the pipe?
• If QC and VT do not compare within 4.5 pcf for Maximum Density, what should be the next step?
• Before placing material for which zone do we excavate, lay pipe, and hand ramp material below the pipe haunch that cannot be reached by mechanical tampers?
• What is the method number for the Standard Proctor?
• As a general rule of thumb, when fill is deposited in water, density testing generally begins how many inches above the water level at the time the fill is placed?
• Which statement is true about density definitions: Wet Density includes water?
• What is the maximum thickness of the RAP layer?
• In the Cover Zone, what density is required when the top of the pipe is 15 inches below the bottom of the base?
• Where is thick lift compaction not allowed?
• What unit is used to measure lift thickness in this construction context?
• Do not exceed individual plan depth thickness by more than how many inches?
• For what types of construction is a LOT defined as a single lift of finished embankment not to exceed 500 ft?
• What material can be used anywhere in the embankment?
• The standard penetration resistance for crushed limerock in Florida has been standardized to what psi?
• Which density describes the weight of soils, solids, and water occupying a unit volume?
• The pipe backfill in the cover zone should be compacted to a density of at least 95% of the Standard Proctor maximum density when the cover height below the bottom of base under asphalt, below concrete pavement, or below unpaved ground does what?
• Which of the following is NOT part of the recommended handling of non-soil materials encountered in excavation?
• For embankments adjacent to bridge end bents or abutments, rocks no larger than 3.5 inches cannot be placed within how many feet of the location of any end-bent piling?
• Which condition affects lift thickness for cohesive soils?
• The project plans are superseded by which contract documents?
• Which of the following items is included in the LOT scope besides parking lots?
• Which statement describes capillary action in relation to moisture in compacted material?
• Do not exceed LOT-average depth thickness by more than how many inches?
• Which of the following is included in the LOT scope?
• How do you check finish grade with stakes, laser, or GPS?
• What is the role of subgrade preparation in pavement construction?
• How should geosynthetic materials be delivered to the job site?
• Which Design Standard drawing number sets forth removal of organic material requirements?
• To what depth below the bottom of the pipes and box culverts elevations should rock, boulders, or other hard lumpy or unyielding material be removed?
• To what depth below the base should plastic material be removed?
• What is structural fill and when is it used?
• How would you handle non-soil materials encountered in excavation (rock, concrete, debris)?
• Backfill moisture content should be on dry side by how many percent?
• Which equipment is used to perform fine grading and create precise grade surfaces?
• What is the ratio test called that compares bearing capacity to reference limerock?
• To prepare a soil slope, proof roll the graded area with a vibratory roller weighing a minimum of how many tons or a sheepfoot roller exerting a compression of how many pounds psi on the tamper foot at least five passes in the presence of an Engineer?
• Which of the following is a valid method for backfill compaction?
• What density is required in the Lowest Zone?
• How do Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor tests differ?