Inspector Exam Practice Questions And
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of reinforcing steel in concrete?
A. Increase color strength
B. Increase tensile strength
C. Reduce cement content
D. Speed up curing
Answer: B
Rationale: Reinforcing steel is used to improve concrete’s tensile
strength since concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension.
2. What is the minimum concrete cover for rebar in slabs exposed to
weather?
A. 10 mm
B. 15 mm
C. 20 mm
D. 25 mm
, Answer: D
Rationale: A minimum of 25 mm cover protects reinforcement from
corrosion and environmental exposure.
3. Slump test is used to measure:
A. Concrete strength
B. Workability
C. Cement content
D. Air content
Answer: B
Rationale: Slump test determines the workability or consistency of
fresh concrete.
4. Which code is commonly used for concrete inspection in the U.S.?
A. OSHA
B. ACI 318
C. ASTM D75
D. AASHTO M145
Answer: B
Rationale: ACI 318 provides structural concrete design and inspection
requirements.
5. What is the function of curing concrete?
A. Increase color
B. Prevent cracking and improve strength
C. Reduce cement use
, D. Speed excavation
Answer: B
Rationale: Curing maintains moisture and temperature for proper
strength development.
6. Which test is used to determine concrete compressive strength?
A. Slump test
B. Air test
C. Cylinder break test
D. Density test
Answer: C
Rationale: Concrete cylinders are crushed to determine compressive
strength.
7. What is segregation in concrete?
A. Mixing cement properly
B. Separation of aggregates
C. Water evaporation
D. Reinforcement corrosion
Answer: B
Rationale: Segregation occurs when coarse aggregates separate
from the mix.
8. The standard curing period for concrete is:
A. 1 day
B. 3 days
, C. 7 days
D. 28 days
Answer: D
Rationale: Concrete typically gains most of its design strength at 28
days.
9. What is the purpose of rebar chairs?
A. Cut steel
B. Support reinforcement spacing
C. Increase strength
D. Mix concrete
Answer: B
Rationale: Chairs hold reinforcement at correct elevation within
concrete forms.
10. Honeycombing in concrete refers to:
A. Smooth surface
B. Voids in concrete
C. High strength areas
D. Over-cured concrete
Answer: B
Rationale: Honeycombing is caused by poor compaction leading to
voids.
11. What does water-cement ratio affect most?
A. Color