ICC Structural Steel Special Inspector
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which ASTM specification covers structural steel shapes used in
building construction?
A. ASTM A36
B. ASTM A992
C. ASTM A53
D. ASTM A6
Rationale: ASTM A6 provides the standard specifications for
structural steel shapes, including tolerances and dimensions,
which are critical for inspectors to verify compliance.
2. The minimum weld size for a fillet weld is based on which of the
following?
A. Thickness of the base metal
B. Strength of the connected parts
C. Type of electrode
, D. Weld length
Rationale: The minimum fillet weld size is determined by the
design strength required to safely transfer loads between
connected parts.
3. Which type of steel connection is designed to transfer forces
primarily through friction?
A. Bolted shear connection
B. Slip-critical connection
C. Welded connection
D. Pin connection
Rationale: Slip-critical connections rely on friction between faying
surfaces, achieved by pre-tensioning bolts, to transfer loads
without slip.
4. Which inspection method is used to detect surface-breaking
cracks in steel members?
A. Radiographic testing
B. Magnetic particle testing
C. Ultrasonic testing
D. Liquid penetrant testing
Rationale: Liquid penetrant testing is applied to detect surface
, cracks and defects, making it suitable for field inspections of steel
surfaces.
5. For a bolted connection, the term “pretension” refers to:
A. Bolt torque applied after installation
B. Bolt length prior to tightening
C. Initial tension applied to a bolt to achieve slip resistance
D. Bolt diameter multiplied by yield stress
Rationale: Pretensioning ensures that the bolts are tight enough to
maintain friction in slip-critical connections.
6. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a Structural
Steel Special Inspector?
A. Preparing design drawings
B. Supervising welding personnel
C. Verifying compliance with construction and inspection
standards
D. Purchasing steel materials
Rationale: The inspector ensures that structural steel work
complies with approved plans, codes, and quality standards.
7. The primary purpose of a gusset plate in a steel structure is to:
A. Increase column height
B. Support floor decking
, C. Connect multiple members in a truss or frame
D. Resist torsion in beams
Rationale: Gusset plates are used at joints to transfer loads
between connected members in trusses and braced frames.
8. Which welding process is most commonly used for field structural
steel connections?
A. TIG welding
B. SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
C. GMAW (MIG Welding)
D. SAW (Submerged Arc Welding)
Rationale: SMAW is widely used in field welding for its portability
and suitability for structural steel projects.
9. When inspecting steel beams for camber, the inspector should
use:
A. Spirit level
B. Tape measure only
C. Transit or laser level
D. Plumb bob
Rationale: Transits or laser levels provide accurate measurements
of beam deflection and camber to ensure compliance with design
tolerances.
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which ASTM specification covers structural steel shapes used in
building construction?
A. ASTM A36
B. ASTM A992
C. ASTM A53
D. ASTM A6
Rationale: ASTM A6 provides the standard specifications for
structural steel shapes, including tolerances and dimensions,
which are critical for inspectors to verify compliance.
2. The minimum weld size for a fillet weld is based on which of the
following?
A. Thickness of the base metal
B. Strength of the connected parts
C. Type of electrode
, D. Weld length
Rationale: The minimum fillet weld size is determined by the
design strength required to safely transfer loads between
connected parts.
3. Which type of steel connection is designed to transfer forces
primarily through friction?
A. Bolted shear connection
B. Slip-critical connection
C. Welded connection
D. Pin connection
Rationale: Slip-critical connections rely on friction between faying
surfaces, achieved by pre-tensioning bolts, to transfer loads
without slip.
4. Which inspection method is used to detect surface-breaking
cracks in steel members?
A. Radiographic testing
B. Magnetic particle testing
C. Ultrasonic testing
D. Liquid penetrant testing
Rationale: Liquid penetrant testing is applied to detect surface
, cracks and defects, making it suitable for field inspections of steel
surfaces.
5. For a bolted connection, the term “pretension” refers to:
A. Bolt torque applied after installation
B. Bolt length prior to tightening
C. Initial tension applied to a bolt to achieve slip resistance
D. Bolt diameter multiplied by yield stress
Rationale: Pretensioning ensures that the bolts are tight enough to
maintain friction in slip-critical connections.
6. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a Structural
Steel Special Inspector?
A. Preparing design drawings
B. Supervising welding personnel
C. Verifying compliance with construction and inspection
standards
D. Purchasing steel materials
Rationale: The inspector ensures that structural steel work
complies with approved plans, codes, and quality standards.
7. The primary purpose of a gusset plate in a steel structure is to:
A. Increase column height
B. Support floor decking
, C. Connect multiple members in a truss or frame
D. Resist torsion in beams
Rationale: Gusset plates are used at joints to transfer loads
between connected members in trusses and braced frames.
8. Which welding process is most commonly used for field structural
steel connections?
A. TIG welding
B. SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
C. GMAW (MIG Welding)
D. SAW (Submerged Arc Welding)
Rationale: SMAW is widely used in field welding for its portability
and suitability for structural steel projects.
9. When inspecting steel beams for camber, the inspector should
use:
A. Spirit level
B. Tape measure only
C. Transit or laser level
D. Plumb bob
Rationale: Transits or laser levels provide accurate measurements
of beam deflection and camber to ensure compliance with design
tolerances.
