LOUISIANA (LA) 7-36 Ornamental Iron and Structural Steel Erection, Steel Practice Exam Questions & Correct Answers Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf.

1. A structural steel column base plate is being set on a leveling nut system. What is the primary purpose of the grout placed between the base plate and the foundation after final alignment? a) To provide a permanent electrical ground path. b) To act as a thermal break between the steel and concrete. c) To provide uniform bearing support and transfer the column load to the foundation. d) To prevent the leveling nuts from rusting. Answer: c) To provide uniform bearing support and transfer the column load to the foundation. Grout is a high-strength, non-shrink material used to fill the void between the steel base plate and the concrete foundation. Its function is to ensure full, uniform contact, creating a solid bearing surface that distributes the structural load from the column evenly into the foundation, preventing point loads and potential failure. 2. According to OSHA standards for steel erection, at what height must a connector be provided with and use a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) or a positioning device system? a) 6 feet b) 10 feet c) 15 feet d) 20 feetAnswer: c) 15 feet. OSHA 1926.501(b)(13) specifically mandates that for steel erection activities, connectors and those working in controlled decking zones must be protected from fall hazards when working at heights of 15 feet or more above a lower level. This is a specific exemption to the general 6-foot rule for construction, recognizing the unique nature of steel erection. 3. What is the minimum edge distance for a 7/8-inch diameter, A325 structural bolt when sheared in a standard punched hole in A36 steel? a) 1 inch b) 1-1/8 inches c) 1-1/4 inches d) 1-3/8 inches Answer: c) 1-1/4 inches. The minimum edge distance is typically specified in the AISC Steel Construction Manual and is based on the bolt diameter to prevent shear tear-out. For a 7/8-inch bolt, the standard minimum edge distance from the center of the bolt to the edge of the connected part is 1-1/4 inches. This is crucial for maintaining the connection's integrity. 4. In ornamental iron work, what is the primary purpose of a "saddle" or "saddle clip" when attaching a handrail to a pipe railing system? a) To allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the rail. b) To provide a decorative cap over the rail joint. c) To create a rigid, welded connection point. d) To secure the handrail to the post without visible fasteners on the top surface. Answer: d) To secure the handrail to the post without visible fasteners on the top surface. A saddle or saddle clip is a U-shaped or contoured bracket that fits over the top of a post and under the handrail. It is fastened from the side, leaving the top surface of the handrail smooth and unobstructed, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for the hand's continuous movement.5. During the erection of a multi-story steel building, what is the primary function of "spud wrenches" used by ironworkers? a) To torque high-strength bolts to a specified tension. b) To cut structural steel members to length. c) To align and pull bolt holes into alignment during assembly. d) To weld decking to support beams. Answer: c) To align and pull bolt holes into alignment during assembly. Spud wrenches have a tapered handle that is inserted into bolt holes to align them when two members are being connected. The wrench is used as a lever to pry and manipulate the steel so that the holes line up, allowing the bolts to be inserted. They are a primary tool for connecting steel. 6. What type of weld is most commonly specified for attaching metal decking to structural steel framing? a) Fillet weld b) Butt weld c) Plug weld or puddle weld d) Groove weld Answer: c) Plug weld or puddle weld. Metal decking is typically attached to the supporting beams using a "puddle weld" or plug weld. The welder burns through the steel decking material and fuses it directly to the underlying steel beam, creating a solid arc spot weld. This is a fast and effective method for securing the decking. 7. A project specification calls for ASTM A325 structural bolts. What is the defining characteristic of this type of bolt? a) They are stainless steel bolts for ornamental applications. b) They are a high-strength, quenched, and tempered carbon steel bolt. c) They are a low-carbon steel bolt for general use. d) They are aluminum bolts to prevent galvanic corrosion.Answer: b) They are a high-strength, quenched, and tempered carbon steel bolt. ASTM A325 is a standard specification for high-strength structural bolts made of carbon steel. They are used in steel-to-steel structural connections and are designed to be tightened to a specific tension, creating a slip-critical or snug-tight connection, depending on the design. 8. What does the term "slip-critical connection" refer to in structural steel erection? a) A connection designed to allow for rotational movement. b) A connection where the friction between the connected parts resists the load, not the shear on the bolts. c) A connection that uses pins to allow for expansion. d) A temporary connection used during erection. Answer: b) A connection where the friction between the connected parts resists the load, not the shear on the bolts. In a slip-critical connection, high-strength bolts are installed with a high level of tension, creating a clamping force. This force generates friction between the faying surfaces, which is designed to resist the transfer of shear loads without the joint slipping. The bolts themselves do not bear against the side of the hole. 9. When installing a safety net system for fall protection during steel erection, what is the maximum permissible distance a worker can fall into the net? a) 6 feet b) 10 feet c) 20 feet d) 30 feet Answer: d) 30 feet. OSHA 1926.502(c) states that safety nets must be installed as close as practical under the work surface, but in no case more than 30 feet below that level. The net must also be capable of absorbing the impact forces of a falling worker, with requirements for drop-testing.10. In the context of ornamental iron, what is "wrought iron" historically known for? a) Its high carbon content, making it extremely hard and brittle. b) Its low carbon content and fibrous slag inclusions, making it tough, malleable, and corrosion-resistant. c) Being a modern, lightweight aluminum alloy. d) Its primary use as a material for structural beams. Answer: b) Its low carbon content and fibrous slag inclusions, making it tough, malleable, and corrosion-resistant. Wrought iron is a traditional material characterized by a very low carbon content and the presence of stringers or fibers of slag. This unique structure gives it a high resistance to fatigue and corrosion, and it is easily worked by forging, bending, and welding, making it ideal for ornamental applications. 11. What is the purpose of a "column cap" or "cap plate" in structural steel framing? a) To provide a base for a leveling nut. b) To protect the top of the column from corrosion during shipping. c) To distribute the load from a beam or other member bearing on top of the column. d) To act as a shear connector for the concrete slab. Answer: c) To distribute the load from a beam or other member bearing on top of the column. A column cap is a plate welded to the top of a steel column. Its primary function is to provide a wider bearing surface for beams or other structural elements that frame into the top of the column, distributing the concentrated load from those members across the column's cross-section. 12. When using a wire rope sling to lift a bundle of steel beams, what is a critical safety factor to consider? a) The color of the sling. b) The temperature of the steel beams. c) The sling's rated capacity and the angle of the lift (sling angle). d) The type of paint on the sling.Answer: c) The sling's rated capacity and the angle of the lift (sling angle). The working load limit of a wire rope sling is drastically reduced when the sling is used at an angle. As the angle between the sling leg and the horizontal decreases, the tension in the sling leg increases significantly. It is critical to use the correct sling for the load and to account for the sling angle factor to prevent overloading and catastrophic failure. 13. What is the minimum overlap required for lapped metal decking sheets in a structural steel floor system? a) 1 inch b) 2 inches c) 6 inches d) 12 inches Answer: b) 2 inches. Standard industry practice, as outlined by the Steel Deck Institute (SDI) and manufacturers' specifications, requires a minimum end lap of 2 inches for structural steel decking. This lap is typically fastened to the supporting structure to ensure structural continuity and diaphragm action. 14. In a typical ornamental iron stair stringer, what is the function of a "kick plate" or "riser"? a) To provide a decorative finish on the underside of the stair. b) To close the vertical opening between treads, preventing objects from falling through. c) To act as a structural support for the handrail. d) To provide a non-slip surface for the stair tread. Answer: b) To close the vertical opening between treads, preventing objects from falling through. The kick plate (often at the bottom of a platform or stair) or riser (the vertical part of a step) serves to close off the open vertical space. This prevents debris, tools, or feet from slipping through the opening, enhancing safety and meeting building code requirements for guardrail and stair construction.15. What is the primary reason for using "double nuts" or "jam nuts" on a leveling assembly for a column base plate? a) To increase the aesthetic appeal of the connection. b) To prevent the nuts from loosening due to vibration or settling. c) To provide a means of electrical isolation. d) To increase the overall height of the base plate. Answer: b) To prevent the nuts from loosening due to vibration or settling. A jam nut system uses two nuts tightened against each other. The bottom nut is set to the required elevation. The top nut is tightened down onto the bottom nut, creating a locking action. This prevents the nut from spinning and maintains the precise elevation of the base plate even under dynamic loads or minor settling. 16. Which type of welding process is most commonly used in the field for structural steel erection? a) Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) b) Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick) c) Oxy-Acetylene Welding d) Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Answer: b) Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick). SMAW, commonly known as "stick" welding, is the most prevalent field welding process for structural steel due to its portability, versatility, and effectiveness in outdoor conditions. The equipment is simple to set up, and the electrodes provide their own shielding, making it less susceptible to wind and drafts than MIG welding. 17. What is the primary function of "shear studs" (or shear connectors) welded to the top flange of a structural steel beam? a) To provide a connection point for the fireproofing material. b) To act as a lifting point for the beam during erection. c) To create a composite action between the steel beam and the concrete slab. d) To serve as a support for the metal decking.Answer: c) To create a composite action between the steel beam and the concrete slab. Shear studs are welded through the metal decking to the beam flange. Once the concrete slab is poured, these studs become embedded, locking the steel beam and concrete slab together. This composite action allows the steel and concrete to act as a single unit, significantly increasing the strength and stiffness of the floor system. 18. According to AISC specifications, what is the standard hole size for a 3/4-inch diameter structural bolt in a standard punched or drilled hole? a) 13/16 inch b) 7/8 inch c) 1 inch d) 25/32 inch Answer: a) 13/16 inch. The standard hole size for a 3/4-inch diameter bolt is 1/16 inch larger than the bolt diameter, which is 13/16 inch. This allowance facilitates assembly and accounts for minor misalignments without compromising the structural integrity of the connection for snug-tight or bearing-type joints. 19. In ornamental railing, a "baluster" is defined as: a) The top horizontal rail. b) The vertical member between the top rail and the bottom rail or tread. c) The post that supports the railing at the ends. d) A decorative finial on top of the post. Answer: b) The vertical member between the top rail and the bottom rail or tread. Balusters (or spindles) are the vertical infill members that form the primary barrier of a railing system. Their spacing is regulated by building codes (typically a 4-inch sphere rule) to prevent falls and entrapment.