South Carolina Concrete Sawing and
Drilling Contractor License Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the minimum compressive strength a standard structural
concrete mix must attain before forms can be safely removed?
A. 2,000 psi
B. 3,000 psi
C. 4,000 psi
D. 5,000 psi
Concrete form removal must wait until specified design strength is
reached to prevent premature deformation or collapse.
2. Which of the following OSHA regulations specifically addresses
abrasive wheel safety for concrete sawing operations?
A. 29 CFR 1910.147
B. 29 CFR 1926.501
C. 29 CFR 1910.215
D. 29 CFR 1926.451
OSHA 1910.215 deals with abrasive wheel machinery and safeguards
applicable to sawing equipment.
,3. What is the primary purpose of reinforcement steel in concrete
members?
A. To increase density
B. To reduce shrinkage cracking
C. To resist tensile stresses
D. To improve surface finish
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension; reinforcement
carries tensile loads.
4. During earthwork for a slab-on-grade, what is the key reason for
proper compaction of the subgrade?
A. To improve surface drainage
B. To eliminate the need for reinforcement
C. To reduce differential settlement
D. To increase cement hydration
Well-compacted soil minimizes future settlement that could crack the
slab.
5. When cutting control joints in fresh concrete, the cut should be made
at a depth of at least:
A. 1/4 the slab thickness
B. 1/3 the slab thickness
C. 1/2 the slab thickness
D. Equal to the slab thickness
Control joints must penetrate deep enough to direct crack formation
at desired locations.
6. Which type of formwork support prevents lateral movement of
concrete forms during pouring?
A. Waler ties
B. Bracing
C. Chamfers
, D. Dowels
Bracing stabilizes forms against lateral pressures created by fresh
concrete.
7. In reinforced concrete design, the spacing of rebar is primarily
controlled to:
A. Improve curing
B. Ensure adequate bond and load distribution
C. Reduce cement content
D. Increase slump
Proper spacing ensures load transfer and consistent strength
throughout the member.
8. A concrete mix with a slump of 1 inch indicates:
A. High workability
B. Excessive water content
C. Low workability
D. Perfect slump for all applications
Low slump suggests stiff mix with limited workability, useful for
heavy-duty pavements.
9. Which hazard is inherent to concrete sawing operations without
proper PPE?
A. Electrocution only
B. Fire hazards
C. Silica dust exposure
D. Chemical burns only
Cutting concrete generates respirable crystalline silica that can cause
lung disease without controls.
10. What is the typical minimum clear cover for reinforcement in a
concrete slab exposed to earth?
A. 1/2 inch
Drilling Contractor License Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the minimum compressive strength a standard structural
concrete mix must attain before forms can be safely removed?
A. 2,000 psi
B. 3,000 psi
C. 4,000 psi
D. 5,000 psi
Concrete form removal must wait until specified design strength is
reached to prevent premature deformation or collapse.
2. Which of the following OSHA regulations specifically addresses
abrasive wheel safety for concrete sawing operations?
A. 29 CFR 1910.147
B. 29 CFR 1926.501
C. 29 CFR 1910.215
D. 29 CFR 1926.451
OSHA 1910.215 deals with abrasive wheel machinery and safeguards
applicable to sawing equipment.
,3. What is the primary purpose of reinforcement steel in concrete
members?
A. To increase density
B. To reduce shrinkage cracking
C. To resist tensile stresses
D. To improve surface finish
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension; reinforcement
carries tensile loads.
4. During earthwork for a slab-on-grade, what is the key reason for
proper compaction of the subgrade?
A. To improve surface drainage
B. To eliminate the need for reinforcement
C. To reduce differential settlement
D. To increase cement hydration
Well-compacted soil minimizes future settlement that could crack the
slab.
5. When cutting control joints in fresh concrete, the cut should be made
at a depth of at least:
A. 1/4 the slab thickness
B. 1/3 the slab thickness
C. 1/2 the slab thickness
D. Equal to the slab thickness
Control joints must penetrate deep enough to direct crack formation
at desired locations.
6. Which type of formwork support prevents lateral movement of
concrete forms during pouring?
A. Waler ties
B. Bracing
C. Chamfers
, D. Dowels
Bracing stabilizes forms against lateral pressures created by fresh
concrete.
7. In reinforced concrete design, the spacing of rebar is primarily
controlled to:
A. Improve curing
B. Ensure adequate bond and load distribution
C. Reduce cement content
D. Increase slump
Proper spacing ensures load transfer and consistent strength
throughout the member.
8. A concrete mix with a slump of 1 inch indicates:
A. High workability
B. Excessive water content
C. Low workability
D. Perfect slump for all applications
Low slump suggests stiff mix with limited workability, useful for
heavy-duty pavements.
9. Which hazard is inherent to concrete sawing operations without
proper PPE?
A. Electrocution only
B. Fire hazards
C. Silica dust exposure
D. Chemical burns only
Cutting concrete generates respirable crystalline silica that can cause
lung disease without controls.
10. What is the typical minimum clear cover for reinforcement in a
concrete slab exposed to earth?
A. 1/2 inch
