LA 1-35 HIGHWAY, STREET &
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which instrument is commonly used to establish horizontal control and
measure angles on a highway project?
a. Level
b. Theodolite
c. Total station GNSS receiver
d. Tape measure
Answer: b. Theodolite
Rationale: The theodolite measures horizontal and vertical angles;
modern practice often uses total stations, but the classic instrument
for angle measurement is the theodolite.
2. The primary purpose of a subgrade stabilization layer is to:
a. Increase asphalt thickness
b. Improve bearing capacity and reduce settlement
c. Provide drainage for surface water
d. Act as final wearing surface
Answer: b. Improve bearing capacity and reduce settlement
Rationale: Stabilization (lime, cement, geotextile) strengthens the
subgrade to support pavement loads and reduce long-term
deformation.
3. Optimum moisture content for compaction is determined by which test?
a. California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
b. Proctor test
c. Sieve analysis
d. Atterberg limits
Answer: b. Proctor test
, Rationale: The Proctor test finds maximum dry density and optimum
moisture content for compaction control in the field.
4. In flexible pavement design, the structural layer that distributes traffic
loads to the subgrade is the:
a. Surface course only
b. Base and subbase layers
c. Subgrade only
d. Asphalt binder only
Answer: b. Base and subbase layers
Rationale: Base and subbase spread loads and provide structural
support beneath the asphalt surface.
5. Which aggregate property is most important for skid resistance on
highway pavements?
a. Specific gravity
b. Angularity and surface texture
c. Bulk density
d. Absorption
Answer: b. Angularity and surface texture
Rationale: Angular, rough-textured aggregates increase friction and
improve skid resistance.
6. A bridge’s dead load refers to:
a. Live traffic loads only
b. Permanent structural components weight
c. Wind and earthquake loads
d. Construction equipment loads
Answer: b. Permanent structural components weight
Rationale: Dead load is the weight of the structure itself (deck, beams,
railings) acting continuously.
7. Which test measures moisture susceptibility (stripping) of asphalt
mixtures?
a. Marshall stability test
b. Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR)
c. Los Angeles abrasion test
d. California Bearing Ratio
Answer: b. Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR)
Rationale: TSR evaluates the reduction in tensile strength after
moisture conditioning to assess stripping potential.
, 8. When constructing a highway embankment on soft soils, the method
used to accelerate consolidation is:
a. Using light fill only
b. Preloading with surcharge and vertical drains
c. Reducing compaction effort
d. Leaving soil untreated
Answer: b. Preloading with surcharge and vertical drains
Rationale: Surcharge increases stress and vertical drains speed pore-
water escape, accelerating consolidation.
9. What is the usual function of an expansion joint in bridge decks?
a. Beautification
b. Allow thermal movement and prevent deck distress
c. Increase load capacity
d. Divert drainage
Answer: b. Allow thermal movement and prevent deck distress
Rationale: Expansion joints accommodate thermal
expansion/contraction and relative movement between deck spans.
10. Which method is commonly used to test in-place density of
compacted granular base material?
a. Nuclear density gauge
b. Proctor test in lab only
c. CBR test
d. Sieve analysis
Answer: a. Nuclear density gauge
Rationale: Nuclear gauges provide quick field measurements of in-
place density and moisture for QA/QC.
11. For highway drainage, a catch basin primary purpose is to:
a. Provide habitat for wildlife
b. Collect surface runoff and prevent flooding of pavement
c. Support street lighting
d. Mark property lines
Answer: b. Collect surface runoff and prevent flooding of pavement
Rationale: Catch basins intercept stormwater and convey it to storm
sewer systems, protecting roadway surfaces.
12. Which specification type describes the required performance
without prescribing a single method?
a. Prescriptive specification
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which instrument is commonly used to establish horizontal control and
measure angles on a highway project?
a. Level
b. Theodolite
c. Total station GNSS receiver
d. Tape measure
Answer: b. Theodolite
Rationale: The theodolite measures horizontal and vertical angles;
modern practice often uses total stations, but the classic instrument
for angle measurement is the theodolite.
2. The primary purpose of a subgrade stabilization layer is to:
a. Increase asphalt thickness
b. Improve bearing capacity and reduce settlement
c. Provide drainage for surface water
d. Act as final wearing surface
Answer: b. Improve bearing capacity and reduce settlement
Rationale: Stabilization (lime, cement, geotextile) strengthens the
subgrade to support pavement loads and reduce long-term
deformation.
3. Optimum moisture content for compaction is determined by which test?
a. California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
b. Proctor test
c. Sieve analysis
d. Atterberg limits
Answer: b. Proctor test
, Rationale: The Proctor test finds maximum dry density and optimum
moisture content for compaction control in the field.
4. In flexible pavement design, the structural layer that distributes traffic
loads to the subgrade is the:
a. Surface course only
b. Base and subbase layers
c. Subgrade only
d. Asphalt binder only
Answer: b. Base and subbase layers
Rationale: Base and subbase spread loads and provide structural
support beneath the asphalt surface.
5. Which aggregate property is most important for skid resistance on
highway pavements?
a. Specific gravity
b. Angularity and surface texture
c. Bulk density
d. Absorption
Answer: b. Angularity and surface texture
Rationale: Angular, rough-textured aggregates increase friction and
improve skid resistance.
6. A bridge’s dead load refers to:
a. Live traffic loads only
b. Permanent structural components weight
c. Wind and earthquake loads
d. Construction equipment loads
Answer: b. Permanent structural components weight
Rationale: Dead load is the weight of the structure itself (deck, beams,
railings) acting continuously.
7. Which test measures moisture susceptibility (stripping) of asphalt
mixtures?
a. Marshall stability test
b. Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR)
c. Los Angeles abrasion test
d. California Bearing Ratio
Answer: b. Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR)
Rationale: TSR evaluates the reduction in tensile strength after
moisture conditioning to assess stripping potential.
, 8. When constructing a highway embankment on soft soils, the method
used to accelerate consolidation is:
a. Using light fill only
b. Preloading with surcharge and vertical drains
c. Reducing compaction effort
d. Leaving soil untreated
Answer: b. Preloading with surcharge and vertical drains
Rationale: Surcharge increases stress and vertical drains speed pore-
water escape, accelerating consolidation.
9. What is the usual function of an expansion joint in bridge decks?
a. Beautification
b. Allow thermal movement and prevent deck distress
c. Increase load capacity
d. Divert drainage
Answer: b. Allow thermal movement and prevent deck distress
Rationale: Expansion joints accommodate thermal
expansion/contraction and relative movement between deck spans.
10. Which method is commonly used to test in-place density of
compacted granular base material?
a. Nuclear density gauge
b. Proctor test in lab only
c. CBR test
d. Sieve analysis
Answer: a. Nuclear density gauge
Rationale: Nuclear gauges provide quick field measurements of in-
place density and moisture for QA/QC.
11. For highway drainage, a catch basin primary purpose is to:
a. Provide habitat for wildlife
b. Collect surface runoff and prevent flooding of pavement
c. Support street lighting
d. Mark property lines
Answer: b. Collect surface runoff and prevent flooding of pavement
Rationale: Catch basins intercept stormwater and convey it to storm
sewer systems, protecting roadway surfaces.
12. Which specification type describes the required performance
without prescribing a single method?
a. Prescriptive specification
