Minnesota Structural Steel and Bolting
Special Inspector Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a structural steel special inspection
program?
A. To reduce steel fabrication costs
B. To verify compliance with approved construction documents and codes
C. To eliminate the need for engineering review
D. To replace contractor quality control
Answer: B. To verify compliance with approved construction documents
and codes
Rationale: Special inspection ensures structural steel work complies with
approved plans, specifications, and applicable code requirements.
, 2. Which code commonly governs special inspections for structural steel
construction?
A. National Electrical Code
B. International Residential Code
C. International Building Code
D. Uniform Plumbing Code
Answer: C. International Building Code
Rationale: The IBC establishes requirements for special inspections,
including structural steel and bolting inspections.
3. What document typically specifies inspection requirements for
structural steel projects?
A. Manufacturer brochure
B. Statement of Special Inspections
C. Equipment warranty
D. Purchase order
Answer: B. Statement of Special Inspections
Rationale: The Statement of Special Inspections identifies required
inspections, tests, and responsible parties.
, 4. High-strength structural bolts are commonly manufactured to which
ASTM specification?
A. ASTM C150
B. ASTM A325/A490 equivalent standards
C. ASTM D1557
D. ASTM C33
Answer: B. ASTM A325/A490 equivalent standards
Rationale: Structural steel connections frequently use high-strength bolts
meeting ASTM A325 or A490 requirements or their current equivalents.
5. What is the primary function of a bolted connection?
A. Improve paint adhesion
B. Connect structural members and transfer loads
C. Reduce welding costs only
D. Improve aesthetics
Answer: B. Connect structural members and transfer loads
Rationale: Bolted connections transfer tension, shear, and combined forces
between steel members.
6. Which organization publishes the Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings?
, A. ACI
B. ASCE
C. AISC
D. NFPA
Answer: C. AISC
Rationale: The American Institute of Steel Construction publishes structural
steel design and construction standards.
7. What is a snug-tightened bolt?
A. A bolt tightened to a specified pretension
B. A loose bolt
C. A bolt tightened until connected parts are in firm contact
D. A welded bolt
Answer: C. A bolt tightened until connected parts are in firm contact
Rationale: Snug-tight condition occurs when connected materials are
brought into firm contact using standard installation effort.
8. Which method is used to verify bolt pretension?
A. Paint thickness gauge
B. Turn-of-nut method
Special Inspector Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a structural steel special inspection
program?
A. To reduce steel fabrication costs
B. To verify compliance with approved construction documents and codes
C. To eliminate the need for engineering review
D. To replace contractor quality control
Answer: B. To verify compliance with approved construction documents
and codes
Rationale: Special inspection ensures structural steel work complies with
approved plans, specifications, and applicable code requirements.
, 2. Which code commonly governs special inspections for structural steel
construction?
A. National Electrical Code
B. International Residential Code
C. International Building Code
D. Uniform Plumbing Code
Answer: C. International Building Code
Rationale: The IBC establishes requirements for special inspections,
including structural steel and bolting inspections.
3. What document typically specifies inspection requirements for
structural steel projects?
A. Manufacturer brochure
B. Statement of Special Inspections
C. Equipment warranty
D. Purchase order
Answer: B. Statement of Special Inspections
Rationale: The Statement of Special Inspections identifies required
inspections, tests, and responsible parties.
, 4. High-strength structural bolts are commonly manufactured to which
ASTM specification?
A. ASTM C150
B. ASTM A325/A490 equivalent standards
C. ASTM D1557
D. ASTM C33
Answer: B. ASTM A325/A490 equivalent standards
Rationale: Structural steel connections frequently use high-strength bolts
meeting ASTM A325 or A490 requirements or their current equivalents.
5. What is the primary function of a bolted connection?
A. Improve paint adhesion
B. Connect structural members and transfer loads
C. Reduce welding costs only
D. Improve aesthetics
Answer: B. Connect structural members and transfer loads
Rationale: Bolted connections transfer tension, shear, and combined forces
between steel members.
6. Which organization publishes the Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings?
, A. ACI
B. ASCE
C. AISC
D. NFPA
Answer: C. AISC
Rationale: The American Institute of Steel Construction publishes structural
steel design and construction standards.
7. What is a snug-tightened bolt?
A. A bolt tightened to a specified pretension
B. A loose bolt
C. A bolt tightened until connected parts are in firm contact
D. A welded bolt
Answer: C. A bolt tightened until connected parts are in firm contact
Rationale: Snug-tight condition occurs when connected materials are
brought into firm contact using standard installation effort.
8. Which method is used to verify bolt pretension?
A. Paint thickness gauge
B. Turn-of-nut method
