468_PA_PH 468 - PENNSYLVANIA (PHILADELPHIA) DEMOLITION CLASS B
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS EXPLANATION Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
130 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
# TOPIC
1 Analyze structural systems to determine safe demolition sequences
2 Evaluate environmental hazards and select appropriate mitigation strategies
3 Apply OSHA and Philadelphia-specific safety standards to demolition operations
4 Synthesize engineering principles to solve complex demolition challenges
5 468_PA_PH 468
6 Pennsylvania
7 Philadelphia
8 Demolition Class B Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers
9 Verified Answers
10 Plus Explanation Q&A Instant Download Pdf
11 Foundations of Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B)
12 Applied Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B)
13 Advanced Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B)
14 Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B) Review
Page 1
,Q1 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
During the demolition of a 12-story reinforced concrete frame building, the
structural engineer specifies a top-down sequence. Which factor most critically
governs the feasibility of this approach?
A. The capacity of the existing columns to resist buckling during partial removal CORRECT
B. The availability of high-reach excavators with concrete crushers
C. The need to protect adjacent structures from vibration
D. The cost of temporary shoring versus bottom-up methods
RATIONALE: Top-down demolition requires that remaining columns support loads from upper
floors while lower floors are removed, making column buckling stability the primary structural
concern. Equipment, vibration, and cost are secondary considerations. Without adequate
stability, progressive collapse is imminent.
Q2 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A demolition contractor encounters unexpected asbestos-containing material
(ACM) in pipe insulation during interior stripping. Per OSHA and Philadelphia
regulations, what is the minimum required action before any further disturbance?
A. Immediately wet the material and continue work, treating it as non-friable
B. Stop work in the affected area, post warning signs, and notify the building owner and
appropriate agencies CORRECT
C. Seal the area with plastic sheeting and proceed with demolition using dust suppression
D. Remove the insulation as quickly as possible to minimize exposure
RATIONALE: Unexpected ACM requires immediate cessation of work in that area, containment,
and notification to comply with OSHA and NESHAP regulations. Continuing work or improper
removal risks severe penalties and health hazards. Proper abatement procedures must be
initiated.
Page 2
,Q3 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A Class B demolition project requires a temporary shoring system to support a
party wall. The design must comply with Philadelphia Building Code. Which of the
following loading conditions is typically NOT considered in the design of such
shoring?
A. Wind loads on the exposed wall surface
B. Seismic loads from the demolition vibration CORRECT
C. Lateral earth pressure from adjacent soil
D. Dead load of the wall and any supported floors
RATIONALE: Temporary shoring is designed for gravity, lateral earth, wind, and surcharge loads,
but seismic loads are generally not considered because demolition is a short-term condition and
the structure is being intentionally removed. Vibration control is separate from static shoring
design.
Q4 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
Which method of demolition is most appropriate for a 20-story steel-framed
building in a dense urban area with strict noise and dust regulations, where
implosion is prohibited?
A. Selective demolition using shears and torches from top down CORRECT
B. High-reach excavator with pulverizer
C. Wrecking ball using a crawler crane
D. Expansive grout cracking of structural members
RATIONALE: Selective top-down demolition using shears and torches offers the best control over
debris, noise, and dust in urban environments. High-reach excavators may lack reach for 20
stories; wrecking balls are less precise; expansive grout is not suitable for primary steel structure
demolition.
Page 3
, Q5 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A demolition plan for a building with a post-tensioned concrete slab requires
careful sequencing. What is the primary hazard if the slab is cut without proper
de-tensioning?
A. Sudden release of stored energy causing catastrophic failure CORRECT
B. Excessive dust generation
C. Chemical burns from concrete dust
D. Acoustic noise exceeding permissible limits
RATIONALE: Post-tensioned tendons are under high tension; cutting them without de-tensioning
releases energy violently, potentially causing structural collapse or injury. Other hazards are
minor in comparison. Proper de-tensioning is mandatory.
Q6 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A contractor is demolishing a structure that is adjacent to a building with a
historic facade. The demolition permit requires a pre-construction survey. What is
the primary purpose of this survey?
A. To document existing conditions and protect against false damage claims CORRECT
B. To determine the exact weight of the building to be demolished
C. To identify the presence of valuable materials for salvage
D. To assess the soil bearing capacity for demolition equipment
RATIONALE: Pre-construction surveys document the condition of adjacent properties to establish
a baseline, protecting contractors from liability for pre-existing damage. This is a standard risk
management practice. Other options are not the primary purpose.
Page 4
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS EXPLANATION Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
130 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
# TOPIC
1 Analyze structural systems to determine safe demolition sequences
2 Evaluate environmental hazards and select appropriate mitigation strategies
3 Apply OSHA and Philadelphia-specific safety standards to demolition operations
4 Synthesize engineering principles to solve complex demolition challenges
5 468_PA_PH 468
6 Pennsylvania
7 Philadelphia
8 Demolition Class B Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers
9 Verified Answers
10 Plus Explanation Q&A Instant Download Pdf
11 Foundations of Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B)
12 Applied Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B)
13 Advanced Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B)
14 Demolition Engineering and Safety (Philadelphia Class B) Review
Page 1
,Q1 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
During the demolition of a 12-story reinforced concrete frame building, the
structural engineer specifies a top-down sequence. Which factor most critically
governs the feasibility of this approach?
A. The capacity of the existing columns to resist buckling during partial removal CORRECT
B. The availability of high-reach excavators with concrete crushers
C. The need to protect adjacent structures from vibration
D. The cost of temporary shoring versus bottom-up methods
RATIONALE: Top-down demolition requires that remaining columns support loads from upper
floors while lower floors are removed, making column buckling stability the primary structural
concern. Equipment, vibration, and cost are secondary considerations. Without adequate
stability, progressive collapse is imminent.
Q2 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A demolition contractor encounters unexpected asbestos-containing material
(ACM) in pipe insulation during interior stripping. Per OSHA and Philadelphia
regulations, what is the minimum required action before any further disturbance?
A. Immediately wet the material and continue work, treating it as non-friable
B. Stop work in the affected area, post warning signs, and notify the building owner and
appropriate agencies CORRECT
C. Seal the area with plastic sheeting and proceed with demolition using dust suppression
D. Remove the insulation as quickly as possible to minimize exposure
RATIONALE: Unexpected ACM requires immediate cessation of work in that area, containment,
and notification to comply with OSHA and NESHAP regulations. Continuing work or improper
removal risks severe penalties and health hazards. Proper abatement procedures must be
initiated.
Page 2
,Q3 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A Class B demolition project requires a temporary shoring system to support a
party wall. The design must comply with Philadelphia Building Code. Which of the
following loading conditions is typically NOT considered in the design of such
shoring?
A. Wind loads on the exposed wall surface
B. Seismic loads from the demolition vibration CORRECT
C. Lateral earth pressure from adjacent soil
D. Dead load of the wall and any supported floors
RATIONALE: Temporary shoring is designed for gravity, lateral earth, wind, and surcharge loads,
but seismic loads are generally not considered because demolition is a short-term condition and
the structure is being intentionally removed. Vibration control is separate from static shoring
design.
Q4 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
Which method of demolition is most appropriate for a 20-story steel-framed
building in a dense urban area with strict noise and dust regulations, where
implosion is prohibited?
A. Selective demolition using shears and torches from top down CORRECT
B. High-reach excavator with pulverizer
C. Wrecking ball using a crawler crane
D. Expansive grout cracking of structural members
RATIONALE: Selective top-down demolition using shears and torches offers the best control over
debris, noise, and dust in urban environments. High-reach excavators may lack reach for 20
stories; wrecking balls are less precise; expansive grout is not suitable for primary steel structure
demolition.
Page 3
, Q5 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A demolition plan for a building with a post-tensioned concrete slab requires
careful sequencing. What is the primary hazard if the slab is cut without proper
de-tensioning?
A. Sudden release of stored energy causing catastrophic failure CORRECT
B. Excessive dust generation
C. Chemical burns from concrete dust
D. Acoustic noise exceeding permissible limits
RATIONALE: Post-tensioned tendons are under high tension; cutting them without de-tensioning
releases energy violently, potentially causing structural collapse or injury. Other hazards are
minor in comparison. Proper de-tensioning is mandatory.
Q6 ANALYZE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE SAFE DEMOLITION SEQUENCES
A contractor is demolishing a structure that is adjacent to a building with a
historic facade. The demolition permit requires a pre-construction survey. What is
the primary purpose of this survey?
A. To document existing conditions and protect against false damage claims CORRECT
B. To determine the exact weight of the building to be demolished
C. To identify the presence of valuable materials for salvage
D. To assess the soil bearing capacity for demolition equipment
RATIONALE: Pre-construction surveys document the condition of adjacent properties to establish
a baseline, protecting contractors from liability for pre-existing damage. This is a standard risk
management practice. Other options are not the primary purpose.
Page 4
