2 Practice Exam Questions And Correct
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of conducting the Los Angeles (LA)
Abrasion Test for aggregates?
a. Determine moisture content
b. Assess aggregate resistance to abrasion and degradation
c. Measure aggregate density
d. Evaluate chemical composition
Rationale: The LA Abrasion Test evaluates how well aggregates resist
abrasion and wear under standardized conditions.
2. The portion of an aggregate sample retained on the 4.75 mm (No. 4)
sieve is defined as:
a. Sand
b. Coarse aggregate
, c. Fine aggregate
d. Filler
Rationale: Material retained on the 4.75 mm sieve is classified as
coarse aggregate in most standards.
3. What does the specific gravity of aggregate influence in concrete?
a. Color
b. Unit weight and strength
c. Water demand only
d. Curing time
Rationale: Aggregate specific gravity affects concrete’s unit weight
and can influence strength.
4. In the soundness test using sodium sulfate, what does higher mass
loss indicate?
a. Higher strength
b. Poor durability
c. Lower absorption
d. Greater fineness
Rationale: Greater mass loss indicates aggregates are less durable to
sulfate attack.
5. The moisture condition in aggregate that includes free water on the
surface and in the pores is called:
a. Oven-dry
b. Air-dry
, c. Saturated surface-dry (SSD)
d. Damp
Rationale: SSD aggregates have pores filled with water and no
surface film.
6. What is the main purpose of sieve analysis?
a. Determine hardness
b. Determine particle size distribution
c. Measure chemical properties
d. Assess color uniformity
Rationale: Sieve analysis classifies aggregate sizes to determine
gradation.
7. Which of the following affects concrete workability the most?
a. Aggregate shape and texture
b. Aggregate grading
c. Cement brand
d. Curing temperature
Rationale: Gradation has a significant impact on workability by
influencing voids and paste requirement.
8. What is the maximum nominal size of aggregate used for concrete
with 25 mm (1 in) spacing between reinforcement?
a. 28 mm
b. 20 mm
c. 37.5 mm
, d. 50 mm
Rationale: Nominal maximum size must allow proper placement
around reinforcement.
9. The amount of voids in aggregate is measured to evaluate:
a. Workability and paste requirement
b. Color variation
c. Chemical stability
d. Soundness
Rationale: Voids determine the volume of paste needed to fill spaces
between aggregates.
10. Which test determines the clay content in fine aggregates by
observing slurry volume?
a. LA Abrasion
b. Sand Equivalent
c. Specific Gravity
d. Flakiness Index
Rationale: The Sand Equivalent Test measures relative proportions of
clay-like fines.
11. What is the purpose of conducting the Flakiness Index test?
a. Determine moisture
b. Assess particle shape quality
c. Measure organic content
d. Evaluate chemical purity