NHI SAFETY INSPECTION OF IN-SERVICE
BRIDGES - FINAL EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS
covers the full curriculum including bridge mechanics, inspection procedures,
safety protocols, material deterioration, load ratings, and reporting standards.
MODULE 1: BRIDGE FUNDAMENTALS & COMPONENTS
1. What is the primary function of a bridge deck? - A) To transfer vertical
loads to the substructure - B) To provide a riding surface and distribute loads to
supporting members (Correct Answer) - C) To resist lateral wind forces only - D)
To connect the approach roadway to the abutment - Rationale: The deck serves
as the direct traffic-bearing surface while distributing wheel loads to stringers,
beams, or slabs. It also provides composite action in many designs.
2. Which bridge component is designed primarily to resist bending
moments? - A) Bearing - B) Girder (Correct Answer) - C) Parapet - D) Wingwall
- Rationale: Girders (main load-carrying members) are designed to resist
bending moments and shear forces from dead and live loads.
3. In a typical steel girder bridge, what is the purpose of diaphragms or
cross-frames? - A) To increase the vertical load capacity of girders - B) To
distribute loads laterally between girders and brace them against lateral buckling
(Correct Answer) - C) To serve as primary tension members - D) To replace the
need for bearings - Rationale: Diaphragms and cross-frames provide lateral
bracing, distribute loads transversely, and prevent lateral-torsional buckling of
girders during construction and service.
4. What type of bridge superstructure consists of a solid slab spanning
between supports? - A) Girder bridge - B) Truss bridge - C) Slab bridge
(Correct Answer) - D) Suspension bridge - Rationale: A slab bridge uses a
,reinforced concrete slab as both the deck and primary load-carrying member,
typically for short spans.
5. The substructure of a bridge includes which of the following? - A) Deck,
girders, and bearings - B) Piers, abutments, and foundations (Correct Answer) -
C) Railings, sidewalks, and drainage - D) Expansion joints and approach slabs -
Rationale: The substructure comprises all elements below the bearings that
transfer loads to the ground, including piers, abutments, and foundations.
6. What is the primary purpose of bridge bearings? - A) To increase the span
length - B) To transmit loads from superstructure to substructure while
accommodating movements (Correct Answer) - C) To prevent thermal
expansion - D) To replace expansion joints - Rationale: Bearings transfer
vertical and horizontal forces while allowing rotation, translation, and thermal
movement.
7. Which of the following is NOT a common type of bridge bearing? - A)
Elastomeric bearing pad - B) Pot bearing - C) Roller bearing - D) Torsion bearing
(Correct Answer) - Rationale: Torsion bearings are not a standard bridge
bearing type. Common types include elastomeric, pot, disc, rocker, roller, and
spherical bearings.
8. In a reinforced concrete T-beam bridge, the “T” shape provides which
structural advantage? - A) Reduced steel reinforcement requirements - B)
Increased moment of inertia and efficiency in resisting positive bending (Correct
Answer) - C) Elimination of the need for shear reinforcement - D) Simplified
formwork construction - Rationale: The flange (deck) and stem (web) work
together to create a larger effective depth, increasing the section’s moment of
inertia.
9. What is the function of a bridge approach slab? - A) To provide a transition
between the roadway embankment and the bridge structure (Correct Answer) -
B) To serve as a backup load path - C) To replace deteriorated deck sections -
D) To support traffic during construction - Rationale: Approach slabs bridge the
settlement-prone area between the abutment and embankment, providing a
smooth transition.
,10. Which bridge type uses cables as the primary load-carrying elements? -
A) Arch bridge - B) Beam bridge - C) Cable-stayed bridge (Correct Answer) - D)
Box culvert - Rationale: Cable-stayed bridges use cables running directly from
towers to the deck to support the superstructure.
11. What is the primary structural action of an arch bridge? - A) Bending in
the vertical plane - B) Compression along the curved profile (Correct Answer) -
C) Tension in the arch rib - D) Torsion at the springing points - Rationale: Arches
primarily carry loads through compression, transferring thrust to the abutments or
springing points.
12. In a truss bridge, members subjected primarily to tension are called: -
A) Chords - B) Web members - C) Ties (Correct Answer) - D) Struts -
Rationale: Tension members in trusses are called ties, while compression
members are called struts. Chords are the top and bottom members.
13. What is the purpose of a bridge wearing surface? - A) Structural
reinforcement of the deck - B) Protection of the deck from traffic wear and
environmental exposure (Correct Answer) - C) Replacement of the deck slab -
D) Load distribution to substructure - Rationale: Wearing surfaces (overlays)
protect the structural deck from abrasion, chemicals, and water infiltration.
14. Which component prevents vehicles from leaving the bridge deck? - A)
Deck drain - B) Bridge railing or parapet (Correct Answer) - C) Expansion joint -
D) Sidewalk - Rationale: Bridge railings and parapets are safety features
designed to contain vehicles and protect pedestrians.
15. What is a “skew angle” in bridge terminology? - A) The angle between
the bridge deck and horizontal - B) The angle between the bridge centerline and
a line perpendicular to the piers/abutments (Correct Answer) - C) The angle of
the bridge approach - D) The camber angle of the girders - Rationale: Skew
angle describes how the bridge crosses the obstacle at a non-perpendicular
angle, affecting structural behavior and detailing.
16. In prestressed concrete bridges, what is the purpose of post-tensioning
ducts? - A) To provide electrical conduit - B) To house and protect prestressing
tendons (Correct Answer) - C) To reduce concrete weight - D) To serve as
, drainage paths - Rationale: Ducts contain the prestressing strands or bars,
which are tensioned after concrete curing and then grouted for protection.
17. What is the function of a bridge expansion joint? - A) To increase the
bridge span - B) To accommodate thermal movement and prevent damage
(Correct Answer) - C) To connect the deck to the approach - D) To support the
wearing surface - Rationale: Expansion joints allow the bridge to expand and
contract with temperature changes without inducing destructive stresses.
18. Which of the following is a characteristic of a culvert? - A) Span length
always exceeds 20 feet - B) It is typically covered with embankment and has a
span of 20 feet or less (Correct Answer) - C) It has no substructure - D) It
cannot carry vehicular loads - Rationale: Per FHWA definition, culverts have
spans of 20 feet or less and are typically covered with embankment,
distinguishing them from bridges.
19. What is the “spandrel” in an arch bridge? - A) The vertical wall or area
between the arch ring and the deck (Correct Answer) - B) The foundation at the
springing line - C) The crown of the arch - D) The bearing assembly - Rationale:
Spandrel walls or columns fill the space between the arch and deck, supporting
the deck and transferring loads to the arch.
20. In a steel box girder bridge, what advantage does the closed section
provide? - A) Reduced steel weight - B) High torsional rigidity (Correct Answer)
- C) Simplified fabrication - D) Elimination of bearings - Rationale: The closed
box section provides excellent torsional resistance, making box girders suitable
for curved alignments and long spans.
MODULE 2: BRIDGE INSPECTION PROGRAM & NBIS REQUIREMENTS
21. Under the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), bridges on
public roads must be inspected at intervals not to exceed: - A) 12 months -
B) 24 months (Correct Answer) - C) 36 months - D) 48 months - Rationale:
NBIS requires routine inspections at maximum 24-month intervals. Certain
bridges may require more frequent inspections.
BRIDGES - FINAL EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS
covers the full curriculum including bridge mechanics, inspection procedures,
safety protocols, material deterioration, load ratings, and reporting standards.
MODULE 1: BRIDGE FUNDAMENTALS & COMPONENTS
1. What is the primary function of a bridge deck? - A) To transfer vertical
loads to the substructure - B) To provide a riding surface and distribute loads to
supporting members (Correct Answer) - C) To resist lateral wind forces only - D)
To connect the approach roadway to the abutment - Rationale: The deck serves
as the direct traffic-bearing surface while distributing wheel loads to stringers,
beams, or slabs. It also provides composite action in many designs.
2. Which bridge component is designed primarily to resist bending
moments? - A) Bearing - B) Girder (Correct Answer) - C) Parapet - D) Wingwall
- Rationale: Girders (main load-carrying members) are designed to resist
bending moments and shear forces from dead and live loads.
3. In a typical steel girder bridge, what is the purpose of diaphragms or
cross-frames? - A) To increase the vertical load capacity of girders - B) To
distribute loads laterally between girders and brace them against lateral buckling
(Correct Answer) - C) To serve as primary tension members - D) To replace the
need for bearings - Rationale: Diaphragms and cross-frames provide lateral
bracing, distribute loads transversely, and prevent lateral-torsional buckling of
girders during construction and service.
4. What type of bridge superstructure consists of a solid slab spanning
between supports? - A) Girder bridge - B) Truss bridge - C) Slab bridge
(Correct Answer) - D) Suspension bridge - Rationale: A slab bridge uses a
,reinforced concrete slab as both the deck and primary load-carrying member,
typically for short spans.
5. The substructure of a bridge includes which of the following? - A) Deck,
girders, and bearings - B) Piers, abutments, and foundations (Correct Answer) -
C) Railings, sidewalks, and drainage - D) Expansion joints and approach slabs -
Rationale: The substructure comprises all elements below the bearings that
transfer loads to the ground, including piers, abutments, and foundations.
6. What is the primary purpose of bridge bearings? - A) To increase the span
length - B) To transmit loads from superstructure to substructure while
accommodating movements (Correct Answer) - C) To prevent thermal
expansion - D) To replace expansion joints - Rationale: Bearings transfer
vertical and horizontal forces while allowing rotation, translation, and thermal
movement.
7. Which of the following is NOT a common type of bridge bearing? - A)
Elastomeric bearing pad - B) Pot bearing - C) Roller bearing - D) Torsion bearing
(Correct Answer) - Rationale: Torsion bearings are not a standard bridge
bearing type. Common types include elastomeric, pot, disc, rocker, roller, and
spherical bearings.
8. In a reinforced concrete T-beam bridge, the “T” shape provides which
structural advantage? - A) Reduced steel reinforcement requirements - B)
Increased moment of inertia and efficiency in resisting positive bending (Correct
Answer) - C) Elimination of the need for shear reinforcement - D) Simplified
formwork construction - Rationale: The flange (deck) and stem (web) work
together to create a larger effective depth, increasing the section’s moment of
inertia.
9. What is the function of a bridge approach slab? - A) To provide a transition
between the roadway embankment and the bridge structure (Correct Answer) -
B) To serve as a backup load path - C) To replace deteriorated deck sections -
D) To support traffic during construction - Rationale: Approach slabs bridge the
settlement-prone area between the abutment and embankment, providing a
smooth transition.
,10. Which bridge type uses cables as the primary load-carrying elements? -
A) Arch bridge - B) Beam bridge - C) Cable-stayed bridge (Correct Answer) - D)
Box culvert - Rationale: Cable-stayed bridges use cables running directly from
towers to the deck to support the superstructure.
11. What is the primary structural action of an arch bridge? - A) Bending in
the vertical plane - B) Compression along the curved profile (Correct Answer) -
C) Tension in the arch rib - D) Torsion at the springing points - Rationale: Arches
primarily carry loads through compression, transferring thrust to the abutments or
springing points.
12. In a truss bridge, members subjected primarily to tension are called: -
A) Chords - B) Web members - C) Ties (Correct Answer) - D) Struts -
Rationale: Tension members in trusses are called ties, while compression
members are called struts. Chords are the top and bottom members.
13. What is the purpose of a bridge wearing surface? - A) Structural
reinforcement of the deck - B) Protection of the deck from traffic wear and
environmental exposure (Correct Answer) - C) Replacement of the deck slab -
D) Load distribution to substructure - Rationale: Wearing surfaces (overlays)
protect the structural deck from abrasion, chemicals, and water infiltration.
14. Which component prevents vehicles from leaving the bridge deck? - A)
Deck drain - B) Bridge railing or parapet (Correct Answer) - C) Expansion joint -
D) Sidewalk - Rationale: Bridge railings and parapets are safety features
designed to contain vehicles and protect pedestrians.
15. What is a “skew angle” in bridge terminology? - A) The angle between
the bridge deck and horizontal - B) The angle between the bridge centerline and
a line perpendicular to the piers/abutments (Correct Answer) - C) The angle of
the bridge approach - D) The camber angle of the girders - Rationale: Skew
angle describes how the bridge crosses the obstacle at a non-perpendicular
angle, affecting structural behavior and detailing.
16. In prestressed concrete bridges, what is the purpose of post-tensioning
ducts? - A) To provide electrical conduit - B) To house and protect prestressing
tendons (Correct Answer) - C) To reduce concrete weight - D) To serve as
, drainage paths - Rationale: Ducts contain the prestressing strands or bars,
which are tensioned after concrete curing and then grouted for protection.
17. What is the function of a bridge expansion joint? - A) To increase the
bridge span - B) To accommodate thermal movement and prevent damage
(Correct Answer) - C) To connect the deck to the approach - D) To support the
wearing surface - Rationale: Expansion joints allow the bridge to expand and
contract with temperature changes without inducing destructive stresses.
18. Which of the following is a characteristic of a culvert? - A) Span length
always exceeds 20 feet - B) It is typically covered with embankment and has a
span of 20 feet or less (Correct Answer) - C) It has no substructure - D) It
cannot carry vehicular loads - Rationale: Per FHWA definition, culverts have
spans of 20 feet or less and are typically covered with embankment,
distinguishing them from bridges.
19. What is the “spandrel” in an arch bridge? - A) The vertical wall or area
between the arch ring and the deck (Correct Answer) - B) The foundation at the
springing line - C) The crown of the arch - D) The bearing assembly - Rationale:
Spandrel walls or columns fill the space between the arch and deck, supporting
the deck and transferring loads to the arch.
20. In a steel box girder bridge, what advantage does the closed section
provide? - A) Reduced steel weight - B) High torsional rigidity (Correct Answer)
- C) Simplified fabrication - D) Elimination of bearings - Rationale: The closed
box section provides excellent torsional resistance, making box girders suitable
for curved alignments and long spans.
MODULE 2: BRIDGE INSPECTION PROGRAM & NBIS REQUIREMENTS
21. Under the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), bridges on
public roads must be inspected at intervals not to exceed: - A) 12 months -
B) 24 months (Correct Answer) - C) 36 months - D) 48 months - Rationale:
NBIS requires routine inspections at maximum 24-month intervals. Certain
bridges may require more frequent inspections.
