NICET Level 1 Highway Construction Certification
Study Guide by National Institute for Certification in
Engineering Technologies | 160 Verified Questions &
Answers to Pass First Attempt and Avoid Resits
Height of Instrumentation (HI) - ANSWER//The elevation of the
line of sight projected by the instrument. Fore Sight (FS) -
ANSWER//A rod reading taken on any point to determine its
elevation. Turning Point (TP) - ANSWER//A reliable point upon
which a foresight is taken to establish elevation. Steel Tape
Measurement - ANSWER//A steel tape is used to measure the
length between points 'A' & 'B' and the distance is found to be
95'. Temperature Effect on Tape - ANSWER//The measurement
will be too long. The tape shrunk due to the cold and principles
of 'Coefficient of Expansion'. Typical Tension on Steel Tape -
ANSWER//25 LBS. Off-Line Measurement - ANSWER//No.
When measuring, tapes must be held on-line, if not, errors will
occur in the actual measurement. Common Measurement
Errors - ANSWER//Length other than standard, improper
plumbing, temperature other than standard, poor alignment,
tape not being horizontal (level), sagging, faulty marking,
incorrect reading or interpolation. Catch Points (CP) -
ANSWER//Occur at the intersection of the existing ground and
the constructed grade. The amount of cut or fill is determined
by the difference between the roadway elevation and the
original ground elevation. Types of Contour Lines -
ANSWER//Index, Intermediate and Supplementary. Contour
Lines - ANSWER//A Contour Line connects all points of equal
elevation, above or below a known or assumed reference point
or plane. Depression on Topo Map - ANSWER//Hachure or tick
marks that are on the inside of contour circles denote a
depression. 4 Rules of Contour Lines - ANSWER//1. All points
along the same contour line are on the same elevation. 2. All
contour lines eventually connect. 3. Contour lines never cross
each other. 4. Contour lines never split. Plan View -
,ANSWER//View from above. Profile View - ANSWER//View
from the front or the side. Cross-Section View - ANSWER//A
view as if the object has been cut open. First Sheet in Project
Plans - ANSWER//Title or key sheet. Typical Section Sheets -
ANSWER//They show the different layers of the road and side
slopes and ditches for a particular given length. Plan Detail -
ANSWER//A detail is a view of a very specific item of work.
Elevation Views - ANSWER//False. The answer is 'Profile Sheets'.
Road's Side Slopes and Ditches - ANSWER//Found on 'Typical
Section Sheets'. Directional Arrow Location - ANSWER//False.
'Plan Sheets' also called 'Key Sheet'. Cross-Section View
Depiction - ANSWER//Cross-Section sheets depict the cross-
section view of the road superimposed on the natural ground
line. #8 Re-Bar Diameter - ANSWER//8 divided by 8 = 1.00".
Distance from Station 21+00 to 23+00 - ANSWER//200. Station
Type from 21+00 to 23+00 - ANSWER//Back Station. Cross-
Slope - ANSWER//Cross-slope is defined as the transverse slope
with respect to the horizon. Surveying - ANSWER//The process
of measuring and mapping land. Surveying - ANSWER//The
determination of the relative spatial location of points on or
near the surface of earth. Geodectic Surveying - ANSWER//That
type of surveying in which the curved shape of earth is taken
into account. Level - ANSWER//A telescope instrument used to
set slope stakes, check the level of forms or field elevations /
grades. Transit - ANSWER//An instrument that can be tilted
vertically to measure vertical angles. Plumb Bob - ANSWER//A
weighted object connected to a string that can be used to
establish a vertical line. Survey Rod - ANSWER//Reads like a
tape measure and allows the surveyor to record an observed
number to determine elevation. Vernier - ANSWER//Used on a
survey rod to determine the subdivision of the smallest division
of a scale. Steel Tape Measurement - ANSWER//A steel tape is
used to measure the length between points 'A' & 'B'. Off-line
Measurement - ANSWER//When measuring, tapes must be
held on-line; if not, errors will occur in the actual measurement.
,Common Errors in Tape Measurement - ANSWER//Length other
than standard, improper plumbing, temperature other than
standard, poor alignment, tape not being horizontal (level),
sagging, faulty marking, incorrect reading or interpolation.
Catch Points - ANSWER//Occur at the intersection of the
existing ground and the constructed grade; the amount of cut
or fill is determined by the difference between the roadway
elevation and the original ground elevation. Instrument for
Area of Topo Map - ANSWER//Plainmeter. Slope Indication -
ANSWER//The farther contour lines are apart, the flatter or less
the slope. Elevation of Intermediate Contour Line -
ANSWER//When determining elevation of an Intermediate
Contour line always start at the furthest Index Contour line.
Intermediate Contour line - ANSWER//Always start at the
closest Index Contour. Benchmark - ANSWER//A fixed exact
point where an exact elevation is known. Slope & drainage -
ANSWER//Calculated perpendicular to the contour lines.
Density Check - ANSWER//The test used to determine the ratio
of the weight of a given volume of material to the weight of an
equal volume of water. Water cement ratio - ANSWER//Weight
of water / weight of cement. Wet Sieve - ANSWER//Used to
separate fine grain from coarse grain by washing the soil
specimen on a 60pm sieve mesh. Slump test of concrete -
ANSWER//Tests water / cement ratio, admixture content,
durability & workability, water content, but not strength.
Concrete slump test - ANSWER//The cone is filled with concrete
in 3 equal layers. Critical Path method - ANSWER//It's the
fastest a project can be completed without including any float
days. Drainage - ANSWER//Always occurs perpendicular (at
right angle) to the contour lines. 25% of what number is 10? -
ANSWER//10/ .25 = 40. 40 is 80% of what number? -
ANSWER//40/ .80 = 50. PH value of a liquid -
ANSWER//Indicates whether the liquid is acid or base. Weight
of rollers - ANSWER//When compacting bituminous concrete
with tandem two wheel or 3 wheel rollers, it is 10-15 tons.
, Sheepsfoot roller - ANSWER//Used for compaction of
embankment in roadway construction. Representative test
sample - ANSWER//Most difficult to obtain from open graded
in asphalt construction. Trees to be saved - ANSWER//Should
be marked by the Construction Engineer within the R-O-W.
Grubbing - ANSWER//Includes removal of stumps, roots and
stubs. Before beginning earthwork - ANSWER//It is important
to verify location of underground utilities through local one call
system. Backfilling culverts and storm drains - ANSWER//Lifts
are not to exceed 6 inches. Backfill for pipes and culverts -
ANSWER//Consists of granular materials. Fences on a slope -
ANSWER//The posts are to be set plumb. 42" high fence -
ANSWER//If the posts are 6' long, 30" of the post is in the
ground. Fence corners - ANSWER//Strengthened by horizontal
post and tension wire. Line braces in fence - ANSWER//Installed
in long sections to retain tension at elevation changes.
Inspecting concrete barrier - ANSWER//Alignment is important.
Guardrail - ANSWER//25' long with center spacing of the posts
mounted on 8 posts is 3.57'. Thickness of paint -
ANSWER//Measured in mils. Girder surface area - ANSWER//A
girder measuring 100' by 36" with flanges 12" wide has a
surface area of 1000 SF. Paint weight - ANSWER//Paint weighs
20lbs per gallon; if a bridge requires 200 lbs of paint and 125
lbs has been applied, it is 62.5% complete. Protective surface
treatment for concrete bridge deck - ANSWER//White
membrane curing compound. Purpose of using vibrators in
concrete - ANSWER//Consolidation. Sealer treatment -
ANSWER//Can be applied without being hard, even if the
concrete is still green. Excessive vibration of concrete -
ANSWER//Causes the top to become white, chalky and non
durable, known as laitance. Liquid membrane forming
compound on concrete - ANSWER//Prevents loss of water
during early curing. White reflective concrete covering -
ANSWER//Reduces temperature in concrete and reflects the
sun's heat. Screed - ANSWER//Removes excess concrete from
Study Guide by National Institute for Certification in
Engineering Technologies | 160 Verified Questions &
Answers to Pass First Attempt and Avoid Resits
Height of Instrumentation (HI) - ANSWER//The elevation of the
line of sight projected by the instrument. Fore Sight (FS) -
ANSWER//A rod reading taken on any point to determine its
elevation. Turning Point (TP) - ANSWER//A reliable point upon
which a foresight is taken to establish elevation. Steel Tape
Measurement - ANSWER//A steel tape is used to measure the
length between points 'A' & 'B' and the distance is found to be
95'. Temperature Effect on Tape - ANSWER//The measurement
will be too long. The tape shrunk due to the cold and principles
of 'Coefficient of Expansion'. Typical Tension on Steel Tape -
ANSWER//25 LBS. Off-Line Measurement - ANSWER//No.
When measuring, tapes must be held on-line, if not, errors will
occur in the actual measurement. Common Measurement
Errors - ANSWER//Length other than standard, improper
plumbing, temperature other than standard, poor alignment,
tape not being horizontal (level), sagging, faulty marking,
incorrect reading or interpolation. Catch Points (CP) -
ANSWER//Occur at the intersection of the existing ground and
the constructed grade. The amount of cut or fill is determined
by the difference between the roadway elevation and the
original ground elevation. Types of Contour Lines -
ANSWER//Index, Intermediate and Supplementary. Contour
Lines - ANSWER//A Contour Line connects all points of equal
elevation, above or below a known or assumed reference point
or plane. Depression on Topo Map - ANSWER//Hachure or tick
marks that are on the inside of contour circles denote a
depression. 4 Rules of Contour Lines - ANSWER//1. All points
along the same contour line are on the same elevation. 2. All
contour lines eventually connect. 3. Contour lines never cross
each other. 4. Contour lines never split. Plan View -
,ANSWER//View from above. Profile View - ANSWER//View
from the front or the side. Cross-Section View - ANSWER//A
view as if the object has been cut open. First Sheet in Project
Plans - ANSWER//Title or key sheet. Typical Section Sheets -
ANSWER//They show the different layers of the road and side
slopes and ditches for a particular given length. Plan Detail -
ANSWER//A detail is a view of a very specific item of work.
Elevation Views - ANSWER//False. The answer is 'Profile Sheets'.
Road's Side Slopes and Ditches - ANSWER//Found on 'Typical
Section Sheets'. Directional Arrow Location - ANSWER//False.
'Plan Sheets' also called 'Key Sheet'. Cross-Section View
Depiction - ANSWER//Cross-Section sheets depict the cross-
section view of the road superimposed on the natural ground
line. #8 Re-Bar Diameter - ANSWER//8 divided by 8 = 1.00".
Distance from Station 21+00 to 23+00 - ANSWER//200. Station
Type from 21+00 to 23+00 - ANSWER//Back Station. Cross-
Slope - ANSWER//Cross-slope is defined as the transverse slope
with respect to the horizon. Surveying - ANSWER//The process
of measuring and mapping land. Surveying - ANSWER//The
determination of the relative spatial location of points on or
near the surface of earth. Geodectic Surveying - ANSWER//That
type of surveying in which the curved shape of earth is taken
into account. Level - ANSWER//A telescope instrument used to
set slope stakes, check the level of forms or field elevations /
grades. Transit - ANSWER//An instrument that can be tilted
vertically to measure vertical angles. Plumb Bob - ANSWER//A
weighted object connected to a string that can be used to
establish a vertical line. Survey Rod - ANSWER//Reads like a
tape measure and allows the surveyor to record an observed
number to determine elevation. Vernier - ANSWER//Used on a
survey rod to determine the subdivision of the smallest division
of a scale. Steel Tape Measurement - ANSWER//A steel tape is
used to measure the length between points 'A' & 'B'. Off-line
Measurement - ANSWER//When measuring, tapes must be
held on-line; if not, errors will occur in the actual measurement.
,Common Errors in Tape Measurement - ANSWER//Length other
than standard, improper plumbing, temperature other than
standard, poor alignment, tape not being horizontal (level),
sagging, faulty marking, incorrect reading or interpolation.
Catch Points - ANSWER//Occur at the intersection of the
existing ground and the constructed grade; the amount of cut
or fill is determined by the difference between the roadway
elevation and the original ground elevation. Instrument for
Area of Topo Map - ANSWER//Plainmeter. Slope Indication -
ANSWER//The farther contour lines are apart, the flatter or less
the slope. Elevation of Intermediate Contour Line -
ANSWER//When determining elevation of an Intermediate
Contour line always start at the furthest Index Contour line.
Intermediate Contour line - ANSWER//Always start at the
closest Index Contour. Benchmark - ANSWER//A fixed exact
point where an exact elevation is known. Slope & drainage -
ANSWER//Calculated perpendicular to the contour lines.
Density Check - ANSWER//The test used to determine the ratio
of the weight of a given volume of material to the weight of an
equal volume of water. Water cement ratio - ANSWER//Weight
of water / weight of cement. Wet Sieve - ANSWER//Used to
separate fine grain from coarse grain by washing the soil
specimen on a 60pm sieve mesh. Slump test of concrete -
ANSWER//Tests water / cement ratio, admixture content,
durability & workability, water content, but not strength.
Concrete slump test - ANSWER//The cone is filled with concrete
in 3 equal layers. Critical Path method - ANSWER//It's the
fastest a project can be completed without including any float
days. Drainage - ANSWER//Always occurs perpendicular (at
right angle) to the contour lines. 25% of what number is 10? -
ANSWER//10/ .25 = 40. 40 is 80% of what number? -
ANSWER//40/ .80 = 50. PH value of a liquid -
ANSWER//Indicates whether the liquid is acid or base. Weight
of rollers - ANSWER//When compacting bituminous concrete
with tandem two wheel or 3 wheel rollers, it is 10-15 tons.
, Sheepsfoot roller - ANSWER//Used for compaction of
embankment in roadway construction. Representative test
sample - ANSWER//Most difficult to obtain from open graded
in asphalt construction. Trees to be saved - ANSWER//Should
be marked by the Construction Engineer within the R-O-W.
Grubbing - ANSWER//Includes removal of stumps, roots and
stubs. Before beginning earthwork - ANSWER//It is important
to verify location of underground utilities through local one call
system. Backfilling culverts and storm drains - ANSWER//Lifts
are not to exceed 6 inches. Backfill for pipes and culverts -
ANSWER//Consists of granular materials. Fences on a slope -
ANSWER//The posts are to be set plumb. 42" high fence -
ANSWER//If the posts are 6' long, 30" of the post is in the
ground. Fence corners - ANSWER//Strengthened by horizontal
post and tension wire. Line braces in fence - ANSWER//Installed
in long sections to retain tension at elevation changes.
Inspecting concrete barrier - ANSWER//Alignment is important.
Guardrail - ANSWER//25' long with center spacing of the posts
mounted on 8 posts is 3.57'. Thickness of paint -
ANSWER//Measured in mils. Girder surface area - ANSWER//A
girder measuring 100' by 36" with flanges 12" wide has a
surface area of 1000 SF. Paint weight - ANSWER//Paint weighs
20lbs per gallon; if a bridge requires 200 lbs of paint and 125
lbs has been applied, it is 62.5% complete. Protective surface
treatment for concrete bridge deck - ANSWER//White
membrane curing compound. Purpose of using vibrators in
concrete - ANSWER//Consolidation. Sealer treatment -
ANSWER//Can be applied without being hard, even if the
concrete is still green. Excessive vibration of concrete -
ANSWER//Causes the top to become white, chalky and non
durable, known as laitance. Liquid membrane forming
compound on concrete - ANSWER//Prevents loss of water
during early curing. White reflective concrete covering -
ANSWER//Reduces temperature in concrete and reflects the
sun's heat. Screed - ANSWER//Removes excess concrete from
