LOUISIANA (LA) 7-36 Ornamental Iron
and Structural Steel Erection, Steel
Practice Exam
1. What is the minimum compressive strength (psi) for concrete used to anchor
bolts for structural steel columns?
A) 1,500 psi
B) 2,000 psi
C) 2,500 psi
D) 3,000 psi
Correct Answer: D) 3,000 psi
Explanation: OSHA standards (1926.755(b)) require that concrete used for anchor bolts
must have a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi)
before the erection of structural steel can begin.
2. Before authorizing employees to work on a fall protection system, a ________
must inspect the system.
A) Project Manager
B) Certified Engineer
C) Competent Person
D) Safety Director
Correct Answer: C) Competent Person
Explanation: A "competent person" is defined by OSHA as someone capable of
identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has the authority to take prompt
corrective measures. They are required to inspect fall protection systems before use.
3. A controlled decking zone (CDZ) is an area:
A) Where metal decking is stored.
B) Where only certified welders are permitted.
C) Where specific fall protection plans are implemented for a defined work area.
D) That is off-limits to all personnel.
Correct Answer: C) Where specific fall protection plans are implemented for a
defined work area.
Explanation: A CDZ is a designated area on a steel erection project where initial
installation and final decking activities take place. It allows work to proceed without
conventional fall protection under a strictly controlled safety plan.
,4. According to OSHA, what is the required minimum thickness for structural
metal decking?
A) 16 gauge
B) 18 gauge
C) 20 gauge
D) 22 gauge
Correct Answer: B) 18 gauge
Explanation: OSHA 1926.754(b)(3) requires structural metal decking to be at least 18
gauge (0.0478 inch) for its primary supporting members. Lighter gauge decking may be
used for secondary members.
5. A personal fall arrest system must be rigged so that an employee cannot free
fall more than:
A) 4 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
Correct Answer: B) 6 feet
Explanation: OSHA regulations stipulate that a personal fall arrest system must be set
up to limit the free fall distance to a maximum of 6 feet, thereby reducing the forces
exerted on the worker's body during a fall arrest.
6. What is the primary purpose of a column turnover connector?
A) To lift the column vertically.
B) To provide a temporary connection for a column being raised from a horizontal to a
vertical position.
C) To connect two columns end-to-end.
D) To provide a permanent moment connection.
Correct Answer: B) To provide a temporary connection for a column being raised
from a horizontal to a vertical position.
Explanation: A turnover connector is a temporary attachment point used during the
rigging process to safely pivot a column from its lying position on the ground to its final
vertical, erected position.
7. When is it permissible to "catch the deck," a practice of passing decking bundles
from one worker to another?
A) It is never permitted.
B) Only when the bundle weighs less than 50 lbs.
C) Only when workers are standing on a solid surface and the bundle is within easy
reach.
D) Only when approved by the project supervisor.
,Correct Answer: A) It is never permitted.
Explanation: The practice of "catching the deck" is extremely hazardous and is explicitly
prohibited by OSHA standards. Mechanical means must be used to hoist decking
bundles.
8. A double wrap hitch is used when choker-rigging a steel beam to:
A) Increase the sling's load capacity.
B) Prevent the sling from slipping.
C) Allow for a quicker release.
D) Reduce the sling angle.
Correct Answer: B) Prevent the sling from slipping.
Explanation: A double wrap, or "basket hitch with a double wrap," significantly
increases the friction between the sling and the load, preventing the sling from slipping
along a smooth, greasy, or tapered beam.
9. An A325 bolt is a type of:
A) Stainless steel bolt.
B) High-strength structural bolt.
C) Self-tapping screw.
D) Anchor bolt.
Correct Answer: B) High-strength structural bolt.
Explanation: A325 bolts are high-strength structural bolts commonly used for structural
steel connections. They are installed to a specific pre-tension (tightening force).
10. The primary function of a spud wrench is to:
A) Tighten high-strength bolts to their final torque.
B) Align bolt holes in steel members.
C) Cut through steel plates.
D) Measure the gap between connections.
Correct Answer: B) Align bolt holes in steel members.
Explanation: A spud wrench has a pointed, tapered handle (the "spud") that is inserted
into misaligned bolt holes to lever them into alignment before inserting the bolt.
11. What is the purpose of a shear connection in structural steel?
A) To resist bending moments.
B) To transfer axial loads from one member to another.
C) To primarily transfer lateral loads, allowing for some rotation.
D) To provide a watertight seal.
Correct Answer: C) To primarily transfer lateral loads, allowing for some rotation.
Explanation: A shear connection (or simple connection) is designed to transfer shear
, forces between members (like a beam to a column) while allowing for a degree of end
rotation, which is simpler and cheaper than a moment connection.
12. Galvanizing steel is a process used to:
A) Increase its tensile strength.
B) Protect it from corrosion.
C) Improve its weldability.
D) Make it more flexible.
Correct Answer: B) Protect it from corrosion.
Explanation: Galvanizing involves coating steel with a layer of zinc, which acts as a
sacrificial anode to protect the underlying steel from rust and corrosion.
13. In a bolted connection, a "turn-of-nut" method is used to:
A) Roughly align the members.
B) Achieve the required pre-tension (clamping force) in the bolt.
C) Count the number of bolts installed.
D) Identify which bolts have been tightened.
Correct Answer: B) Achieve the required pre-tension (clamping force) in the bolt.
Explanation: The turn-of-nut method is a specified procedure where a bolt is snug-
tightened and then turned a specific additional amount (e.g., 1/2 turn, 2/3 turn) to
stretch the bolt and achieve the designed pre-load.
14. What is the primary concern when welding A36 steel to A992 steel?
A) They are incompatible and cannot be welded.
B) The difference in color may be unsightly.
C) They have different yield strengths, requiring compatible filler metals and procedures.
D) A992 steel cannot be welded under any circumstances.
Correct Answer: C) They have different yield strengths, requiring compatible filler
metals and procedures.
Explanation: A36 is a lower-strength carbon steel, while A992 is a high-strength, low-
alloy steel used for structural shapes. Welding them requires a qualified welding
procedure specification (WPS) that uses filler metals compatible with the base metal
with the higher strength to ensure the weld's integrity.
15. A "kicker" or "stabber" is a:
A) A tool used to start bolts in holes.
B) A safety device for fall protection.
C) A temporary lateral bracing member.
D) A type of crane signal.
Correct Answer: C) A temporary lateral bracing member.
Explanation: A kicker is a short piece of structural angle or channel temporarily
and Structural Steel Erection, Steel
Practice Exam
1. What is the minimum compressive strength (psi) for concrete used to anchor
bolts for structural steel columns?
A) 1,500 psi
B) 2,000 psi
C) 2,500 psi
D) 3,000 psi
Correct Answer: D) 3,000 psi
Explanation: OSHA standards (1926.755(b)) require that concrete used for anchor bolts
must have a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi)
before the erection of structural steel can begin.
2. Before authorizing employees to work on a fall protection system, a ________
must inspect the system.
A) Project Manager
B) Certified Engineer
C) Competent Person
D) Safety Director
Correct Answer: C) Competent Person
Explanation: A "competent person" is defined by OSHA as someone capable of
identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has the authority to take prompt
corrective measures. They are required to inspect fall protection systems before use.
3. A controlled decking zone (CDZ) is an area:
A) Where metal decking is stored.
B) Where only certified welders are permitted.
C) Where specific fall protection plans are implemented for a defined work area.
D) That is off-limits to all personnel.
Correct Answer: C) Where specific fall protection plans are implemented for a
defined work area.
Explanation: A CDZ is a designated area on a steel erection project where initial
installation and final decking activities take place. It allows work to proceed without
conventional fall protection under a strictly controlled safety plan.
,4. According to OSHA, what is the required minimum thickness for structural
metal decking?
A) 16 gauge
B) 18 gauge
C) 20 gauge
D) 22 gauge
Correct Answer: B) 18 gauge
Explanation: OSHA 1926.754(b)(3) requires structural metal decking to be at least 18
gauge (0.0478 inch) for its primary supporting members. Lighter gauge decking may be
used for secondary members.
5. A personal fall arrest system must be rigged so that an employee cannot free
fall more than:
A) 4 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 12 feet
Correct Answer: B) 6 feet
Explanation: OSHA regulations stipulate that a personal fall arrest system must be set
up to limit the free fall distance to a maximum of 6 feet, thereby reducing the forces
exerted on the worker's body during a fall arrest.
6. What is the primary purpose of a column turnover connector?
A) To lift the column vertically.
B) To provide a temporary connection for a column being raised from a horizontal to a
vertical position.
C) To connect two columns end-to-end.
D) To provide a permanent moment connection.
Correct Answer: B) To provide a temporary connection for a column being raised
from a horizontal to a vertical position.
Explanation: A turnover connector is a temporary attachment point used during the
rigging process to safely pivot a column from its lying position on the ground to its final
vertical, erected position.
7. When is it permissible to "catch the deck," a practice of passing decking bundles
from one worker to another?
A) It is never permitted.
B) Only when the bundle weighs less than 50 lbs.
C) Only when workers are standing on a solid surface and the bundle is within easy
reach.
D) Only when approved by the project supervisor.
,Correct Answer: A) It is never permitted.
Explanation: The practice of "catching the deck" is extremely hazardous and is explicitly
prohibited by OSHA standards. Mechanical means must be used to hoist decking
bundles.
8. A double wrap hitch is used when choker-rigging a steel beam to:
A) Increase the sling's load capacity.
B) Prevent the sling from slipping.
C) Allow for a quicker release.
D) Reduce the sling angle.
Correct Answer: B) Prevent the sling from slipping.
Explanation: A double wrap, or "basket hitch with a double wrap," significantly
increases the friction between the sling and the load, preventing the sling from slipping
along a smooth, greasy, or tapered beam.
9. An A325 bolt is a type of:
A) Stainless steel bolt.
B) High-strength structural bolt.
C) Self-tapping screw.
D) Anchor bolt.
Correct Answer: B) High-strength structural bolt.
Explanation: A325 bolts are high-strength structural bolts commonly used for structural
steel connections. They are installed to a specific pre-tension (tightening force).
10. The primary function of a spud wrench is to:
A) Tighten high-strength bolts to their final torque.
B) Align bolt holes in steel members.
C) Cut through steel plates.
D) Measure the gap between connections.
Correct Answer: B) Align bolt holes in steel members.
Explanation: A spud wrench has a pointed, tapered handle (the "spud") that is inserted
into misaligned bolt holes to lever them into alignment before inserting the bolt.
11. What is the purpose of a shear connection in structural steel?
A) To resist bending moments.
B) To transfer axial loads from one member to another.
C) To primarily transfer lateral loads, allowing for some rotation.
D) To provide a watertight seal.
Correct Answer: C) To primarily transfer lateral loads, allowing for some rotation.
Explanation: A shear connection (or simple connection) is designed to transfer shear
, forces between members (like a beam to a column) while allowing for a degree of end
rotation, which is simpler and cheaper than a moment connection.
12. Galvanizing steel is a process used to:
A) Increase its tensile strength.
B) Protect it from corrosion.
C) Improve its weldability.
D) Make it more flexible.
Correct Answer: B) Protect it from corrosion.
Explanation: Galvanizing involves coating steel with a layer of zinc, which acts as a
sacrificial anode to protect the underlying steel from rust and corrosion.
13. In a bolted connection, a "turn-of-nut" method is used to:
A) Roughly align the members.
B) Achieve the required pre-tension (clamping force) in the bolt.
C) Count the number of bolts installed.
D) Identify which bolts have been tightened.
Correct Answer: B) Achieve the required pre-tension (clamping force) in the bolt.
Explanation: The turn-of-nut method is a specified procedure where a bolt is snug-
tightened and then turned a specific additional amount (e.g., 1/2 turn, 2/3 turn) to
stretch the bolt and achieve the designed pre-load.
14. What is the primary concern when welding A36 steel to A992 steel?
A) They are incompatible and cannot be welded.
B) The difference in color may be unsightly.
C) They have different yield strengths, requiring compatible filler metals and procedures.
D) A992 steel cannot be welded under any circumstances.
Correct Answer: C) They have different yield strengths, requiring compatible filler
metals and procedures.
Explanation: A36 is a lower-strength carbon steel, while A992 is a high-strength, low-
alloy steel used for structural shapes. Welding them requires a qualified welding
procedure specification (WPS) that uses filler metals compatible with the base metal
with the higher strength to ensure the weld's integrity.
15. A "kicker" or "stabber" is a:
A) A tool used to start bolts in holes.
B) A safety device for fall protection.
C) A temporary lateral bracing member.
D) A type of crane signal.
Correct Answer: C) A temporary lateral bracing member.
Explanation: A kicker is a short piece of structural angle or channel temporarily
