NICET Transportation/Highway
Construction Inspection – Level IV Practice
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following factors has the greatest influence on
asphalt compaction during construction?
A. Ambient temperature
B. Aggregate gradation
C. Moisture content of the mix
D. Pavement width
The moisture content affects how well asphalt can be compacted;
too much or too little moisture impacts density.
2. When inspecting a Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement,
what is the primary purpose of performing a slump test?
A. Determine the compressive strength
B. Check aggregate gradation
C. Measure workability of the concrete
D. Verify air content
A slump test measures the consistency and workability of fresh
concrete to ensure proper placement and consolidation.
3. Which method is most appropriate for determining the in-place
density of soil beneath a new highway embankment?
A. Sand cone test
B. Nuclear density gauge
, C. Core sampling
D. Proctor test
The nuclear density gauge provides immediate and accurate in-
place density measurements for compacted soil.
4. During subgrade preparation, the inspector notices soft spots.
What is the recommended action?
A. Compact as is
B. Remove and replace with suitable material
C. Add water and recompact
D. Ignore and continue
Soft spots indicate inadequate support; they must be removed and
replaced to prevent future pavement failure.
5. Which type of joint in PCC pavement allows for movement due to
temperature and shrinkage?
A. Construction joint
B. Expansion joint
C. Isolation joint
D. Contraction joint
Expansion joints accommodate thermal expansion, preventing
cracking and pavement distortion.
6. When monitoring a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) paving operation,
which factor directly affects the mat temperature?
A. Pavement width
B. Haul time from plant to site
C. Aggregate source
D. Subgrade moisture
Longer haul times result in cooling of the mix, affecting
compaction and final density.
, 7. What is the primary reason for using a geotextile beneath a road
embankment?
A. Reduce pavement thickness
B. Improve aesthetics
C. Separate subgrade from aggregate
D. Increase skid resistance
Geotextiles prevent intermixing of materials, maintaining the
structural integrity of the base and subgrade.
8. Which test is commonly used to determine the strength of
compacted asphalt in the field?
A. Slump test
B. Nuclear gauge density test
C. Proctor test
D. Core sample compressive test
Field density tests ensure that asphalt achieves the specified
compaction for durability and performance.
9. In a quality assurance program, which document provides the
official record of all material tests and inspections?
A. Field notes
B. Work order
C. Daily report
D. Contractor invoice
Daily reports consolidate test results, observations, and inspection
activities for project documentation.
10. When inspecting a bridge deck pour, the inspector notices
segregation in the concrete. What is the proper course of action?
A. Smooth over the segregated areas
B. Continue placing concrete
C. Remove segregated concrete and replace
Construction Inspection – Level IV Practice
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download PDF
1. Which of the following factors has the greatest influence on
asphalt compaction during construction?
A. Ambient temperature
B. Aggregate gradation
C. Moisture content of the mix
D. Pavement width
The moisture content affects how well asphalt can be compacted;
too much or too little moisture impacts density.
2. When inspecting a Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement,
what is the primary purpose of performing a slump test?
A. Determine the compressive strength
B. Check aggregate gradation
C. Measure workability of the concrete
D. Verify air content
A slump test measures the consistency and workability of fresh
concrete to ensure proper placement and consolidation.
3. Which method is most appropriate for determining the in-place
density of soil beneath a new highway embankment?
A. Sand cone test
B. Nuclear density gauge
, C. Core sampling
D. Proctor test
The nuclear density gauge provides immediate and accurate in-
place density measurements for compacted soil.
4. During subgrade preparation, the inspector notices soft spots.
What is the recommended action?
A. Compact as is
B. Remove and replace with suitable material
C. Add water and recompact
D. Ignore and continue
Soft spots indicate inadequate support; they must be removed and
replaced to prevent future pavement failure.
5. Which type of joint in PCC pavement allows for movement due to
temperature and shrinkage?
A. Construction joint
B. Expansion joint
C. Isolation joint
D. Contraction joint
Expansion joints accommodate thermal expansion, preventing
cracking and pavement distortion.
6. When monitoring a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) paving operation,
which factor directly affects the mat temperature?
A. Pavement width
B. Haul time from plant to site
C. Aggregate source
D. Subgrade moisture
Longer haul times result in cooling of the mix, affecting
compaction and final density.
, 7. What is the primary reason for using a geotextile beneath a road
embankment?
A. Reduce pavement thickness
B. Improve aesthetics
C. Separate subgrade from aggregate
D. Increase skid resistance
Geotextiles prevent intermixing of materials, maintaining the
structural integrity of the base and subgrade.
8. Which test is commonly used to determine the strength of
compacted asphalt in the field?
A. Slump test
B. Nuclear gauge density test
C. Proctor test
D. Core sample compressive test
Field density tests ensure that asphalt achieves the specified
compaction for durability and performance.
9. In a quality assurance program, which document provides the
official record of all material tests and inspections?
A. Field notes
B. Work order
C. Daily report
D. Contractor invoice
Daily reports consolidate test results, observations, and inspection
activities for project documentation.
10. When inspecting a bridge deck pour, the inspector notices
segregation in the concrete. What is the proper course of action?
A. Smooth over the segregated areas
B. Continue placing concrete
C. Remove segregated concrete and replace
