CA D-86 Synthetic Turf Contractor Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A|
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1. What is the primary purpose of preparing the subgrade before
installing synthetic turf?
A. To increase turf color
B. To provide a stable, properly drained base
C. To eliminate the need for edging
D. To make the turf heavier
Answer: B. To provide a stable, properly drained base
Rationale: A properly prepared subgrade provides structural support
and promotes drainage beneath the synthetic turf system. Poor
preparation can lead to settlement, ponding, wrinkles, and premature
failure.
, 2. Which condition should be corrected before installing a synthetic
turf base?
A. Minor color variation in the soil
B. Soft or unstable areas
C. Normal soil temperature
D. Existing grass color
Answer: B. Soft or unstable areas
Rationale: Soft spots can settle under traffic and create depressions in
the finished turf. They should be excavated, stabilized, or otherwise
corrected before the aggregate base is installed.
3. What is commonly used as the structural base beneath synthetic
turf?
A. Loose topsoil
B. Decorative bark
C. Compacted aggregate
D. Mulch
Answer: C. Compacted aggregate
Rationale: Properly graded and compacted aggregate provides a stable
foundation while allowing water to move through the system. Loose
topsoil and mulch are not appropriate structural bases.
, 4. Why is aggregate compacted during synthetic turf installation?
A. To increase its moisture content
B. To reduce settlement and create a firm surface
C. To make it easier to remove later
D. To change its color
Answer: B. To reduce settlement and create a firm surface
Rationale: Compaction reduces voids and increases the density and
stability of the aggregate. An inadequately compacted base may settle
after installation and produce uneven turf.
5. What is the purpose of establishing proper slope beneath
synthetic turf?
A. To improve turf color
B. To promote surface drainage
C. To reduce fiber height
D. To increase seam visibility
Answer: B. To promote surface drainage
Rationale: Proper grading allows water to move away from the turf
area instead of collecting on the surface. Drainage design is particularly
important in areas exposed to heavy rainfall or irrigation.
, 6. Before excavation begins, what should the contractor do
regarding underground utilities?
A. Assume they are at least 6 feet deep
B. Verify their location using the appropriate utility-locating process
C. Cover them with additional soil without checking
D. Begin excavation and identify them as encountered
Answer: B. Verify their location using the appropriate utility-locating
process
Rationale: Excavation can damage buried electrical, gas, water,
communication, and other utilities. Utility locations should be
established before digging so the work can proceed safely.
7. What is the primary function of the geotextile fabric sometimes
installed beneath synthetic turf?
A. Increase turf color
B. Provide decorative contrast
C. Help separate materials and control soil migration
D. Replace all aggregate
Answer: C. Help separate materials and control soil migration
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A|
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of preparing the subgrade before
installing synthetic turf?
A. To increase turf color
B. To provide a stable, properly drained base
C. To eliminate the need for edging
D. To make the turf heavier
Answer: B. To provide a stable, properly drained base
Rationale: A properly prepared subgrade provides structural support
and promotes drainage beneath the synthetic turf system. Poor
preparation can lead to settlement, ponding, wrinkles, and premature
failure.
, 2. Which condition should be corrected before installing a synthetic
turf base?
A. Minor color variation in the soil
B. Soft or unstable areas
C. Normal soil temperature
D. Existing grass color
Answer: B. Soft or unstable areas
Rationale: Soft spots can settle under traffic and create depressions in
the finished turf. They should be excavated, stabilized, or otherwise
corrected before the aggregate base is installed.
3. What is commonly used as the structural base beneath synthetic
turf?
A. Loose topsoil
B. Decorative bark
C. Compacted aggregate
D. Mulch
Answer: C. Compacted aggregate
Rationale: Properly graded and compacted aggregate provides a stable
foundation while allowing water to move through the system. Loose
topsoil and mulch are not appropriate structural bases.
, 4. Why is aggregate compacted during synthetic turf installation?
A. To increase its moisture content
B. To reduce settlement and create a firm surface
C. To make it easier to remove later
D. To change its color
Answer: B. To reduce settlement and create a firm surface
Rationale: Compaction reduces voids and increases the density and
stability of the aggregate. An inadequately compacted base may settle
after installation and produce uneven turf.
5. What is the purpose of establishing proper slope beneath
synthetic turf?
A. To improve turf color
B. To promote surface drainage
C. To reduce fiber height
D. To increase seam visibility
Answer: B. To promote surface drainage
Rationale: Proper grading allows water to move away from the turf
area instead of collecting on the surface. Drainage design is particularly
important in areas exposed to heavy rainfall or irrigation.
, 6. Before excavation begins, what should the contractor do
regarding underground utilities?
A. Assume they are at least 6 feet deep
B. Verify their location using the appropriate utility-locating process
C. Cover them with additional soil without checking
D. Begin excavation and identify them as encountered
Answer: B. Verify their location using the appropriate utility-locating
process
Rationale: Excavation can damage buried electrical, gas, water,
communication, and other utilities. Utility locations should be
established before digging so the work can proceed safely.
7. What is the primary function of the geotextile fabric sometimes
installed beneath synthetic turf?
A. Increase turf color
B. Provide decorative contrast
C. Help separate materials and control soil migration
D. Replace all aggregate
Answer: C. Help separate materials and control soil migration
