NICET TR03 LEVEL III Exam Highway
Construction Inspection Exam 200 Questions
and Answers Top Rated A+ Latest Version
1 Which AASHTO standard specifies the method for determining the plastic limit of soils?
A. AASHTO T 89
B. AASHTO T 90
C. AASHTO T 99
D. AASHTO T 180
ANSWER>> B. AASHTO T 90
Rationale: AASHTO T 90 covers the test method for liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index.
T 89 (A) is liquid limit only. T 99/T 180 (C/D) are compaction tests.
2: Which ASTM standard specifies the test method for slump of hydraulic cement concrete?
A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C143
C. ASTM C172
D. ASTM C1064
ANSWER>> B. ASTM C143
Rationale: ASTM C143/C143M is the standard test method for slump of hydraulic cement
concrete, measuring consistency/workability. C138 (A) covers unit weight/yield. C172 (C) covers
sampling fresh concrete. C1064 (D) covers temperature measurement.
3: What is the minimum compaction requirement for structural backfill under typical DOT
specifications?
A. 85% of Standard Proctor
B. 90% of Standard Proctor
C. 95% of Modified Proctor
D. 100% of Standard Proctor
ANSWER>> C. 95% of Modified Proctor
Rationale: Most DOT specifications require structural backfill (e.g., under pavements, around
structures) to be compacted to at least 95% of maximum dry density per Modified Proctor
(AASHTO T 180). Lower percentages may be acceptable for non-structural fills.
4: Which test is used to determine the asphalt content of a hot mix asphalt sample?
,A. AASHTO T 164
B. AASHTO T 283
C. AASHTO T 312
D. AASHTO T 209
ANSWER>> A. AASHTO T 164
Rationale: AASHTO T 164 specifies the quantitative extraction of asphalt binder from HMA using
solvent extraction. T 283 (B) evaluates moisture susceptibility. T 312 (C) is for gyratory
compaction. T 209 (D) determines theoretical maximum specific gravity.
5: What is the primary purpose of a proof roll during subgrade inspection?
A. To measure in-place density
B. To identify soft spots or unstable areas
C. To determine moisture content
D. To verify gradation
ANSWER>> B. To identify soft spots or unstable areas
Rationale: A proof roll uses a heavily loaded vehicle to visually observe subgrade response.
Deflection, rutting, or pumping indicates weak areas requiring remediation before proceeding.
Density (A) is measured by nuclear gauge or sand cone.
6: Which AASHTO designation covers the specification for aggregates for bituminous paving
mixtures?
A. AASHTO M 6
B. AASHTO M 43
C. AASHTO M 147
D. AASHTO M 323
ANSWER>> D. AASHTO M 323
Rationale: AASHTO M 323 specifies requirements for aggregates used in hot mix asphalt (HMA)
pavements. M 6 (A) covers fine aggregate. M 43 (B) covers size designations. M 147 (C) covers
aggregates for base/subbase.
7: What is the acceptable temperature range for placing hot mix asphalt per typical
specifications?
A. 150-200°F
B. 220-275°F
C. 275-325°F
D. 325-375°F
ANSWER>> C. 275-325°F
Rationale: Typical HMA placement temperatures range from 275-325°F (135-163°C) depending
on binder grade. Temperatures too low cause poor compaction; too high cause binder
oxidation. Specific ranges are mix-design dependent.
8: Which instrument is used to measure in-place density of compacted soil or aggregate?
,A. Slump cone
B. Nuclear density gauge
C. Proctor mold
D. Marshall hammer
ANSWER>> B. Nuclear density gauge
Rationale: Nuclear density gauges measure in-place wet density and moisture content via
gamma/neutron scattering, allowing calculation of dry density and percent compaction. Sand
cone (AASHTO T 191) is an alternative method.
9: What does the term "lift" refer to in earthwork construction?
A. The height of a slope stake
B. A single layer of material placed and compacted
C. The vertical distance between grade stakes
D. The amount of material hauled per truck
ANSWER>> B. A single layer of material placed and compacted
Rationale: A "lift" is a single layer of soil or aggregate placed and compacted to specified
thickness. Proper lift thickness ensures adequate compaction energy reaches the full depth.
Typical lifts are 6-8 inches loose for granular materials.
10: Which test determines the percent of material passing the No. 200 sieve?
A. Sieve analysis (gradation)
B. Atterberg limits
C. Sand equivalent
D. Los Angeles abrasion
ANSWER>> A. Sieve analysis (gradation)
Rationale: Sieve analysis (AASHTO T 27/T 11) determines particle size distribution, including
percent passing the No. 200 (75 µm) sieve, which indicates fines content critical for drainage
and stability.
11: What is the primary purpose of tack coat in asphalt paving?
A. To provide a waterproofing layer
B. To bond successive asphalt layers
C. To reduce mix temperature
D. To improve aggregate gradation
ANSWER>> B. To bond successive asphalt layers
Rationale: Tack coat (emulsified asphalt) is applied between pavement lifts to ensure bonding
and prevent slippage. It is not a waterproofing layer (A) and does not affect mix temperature (C)
or gradation (D).
12: Which ASTM standard covers sampling fresh concrete?
A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C143
, C. ASTM C172
D. ASTM C1064
ANSWER>> C. ASTM C172
Rationale: ASTM C172/C172M specifies procedures for sampling fresh concrete from mixers,
paving machines, or agitators to ensure representative samples for testing slump, air, strength,
etc.
13: What is the minimum curing period for concrete pavement before opening to traffic per
typical specifications?
A. 3 days
B. 7 days
C. 14 days
D. 28 days
ANSWER>> C. 14 days
Rationale: Typical DOT specifications require concrete pavement to cure a minimum of 14 days
(or until strength criteria are met) before opening to full traffic. Early opening risks cracking and
reduced service life.
14: Which test evaluates the resistance of coarse aggregate to degradation by abrasion?
A. Soundness test
B. Los Angeles abrasion test
C. Sand equivalent test
D. Flat and elongated particles
ANSWER>> B. Los Angeles abrasion test
Rationale: The Los Angeles abrasion test (AASHTO T 96/ASTM C131) measures aggregate
resistance to abrasion/impact using a rotating drum with steel charges. Lower loss percentages
indicate more durable aggregate.
15: What is the purpose of a control strip in asphalt paving?
A. To determine the mix design
B. To establish rolling patterns and density achievement
C. To test binder content
D. To measure pavement thickness
ANSWER>> B. To establish rolling patterns and density achievement
Rationale: A control strip is a test section paved before production to verify that the selected
equipment, rolling pattern, and lift thickness can achieve specified density. It validates the
compaction plan.
16: Which AASHTO test method determines the specific gravity of soils?
A. AASHTO T 85
B. AASHTO T 84
Construction Inspection Exam 200 Questions
and Answers Top Rated A+ Latest Version
1 Which AASHTO standard specifies the method for determining the plastic limit of soils?
A. AASHTO T 89
B. AASHTO T 90
C. AASHTO T 99
D. AASHTO T 180
ANSWER>> B. AASHTO T 90
Rationale: AASHTO T 90 covers the test method for liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index.
T 89 (A) is liquid limit only. T 99/T 180 (C/D) are compaction tests.
2: Which ASTM standard specifies the test method for slump of hydraulic cement concrete?
A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C143
C. ASTM C172
D. ASTM C1064
ANSWER>> B. ASTM C143
Rationale: ASTM C143/C143M is the standard test method for slump of hydraulic cement
concrete, measuring consistency/workability. C138 (A) covers unit weight/yield. C172 (C) covers
sampling fresh concrete. C1064 (D) covers temperature measurement.
3: What is the minimum compaction requirement for structural backfill under typical DOT
specifications?
A. 85% of Standard Proctor
B. 90% of Standard Proctor
C. 95% of Modified Proctor
D. 100% of Standard Proctor
ANSWER>> C. 95% of Modified Proctor
Rationale: Most DOT specifications require structural backfill (e.g., under pavements, around
structures) to be compacted to at least 95% of maximum dry density per Modified Proctor
(AASHTO T 180). Lower percentages may be acceptable for non-structural fills.
4: Which test is used to determine the asphalt content of a hot mix asphalt sample?
,A. AASHTO T 164
B. AASHTO T 283
C. AASHTO T 312
D. AASHTO T 209
ANSWER>> A. AASHTO T 164
Rationale: AASHTO T 164 specifies the quantitative extraction of asphalt binder from HMA using
solvent extraction. T 283 (B) evaluates moisture susceptibility. T 312 (C) is for gyratory
compaction. T 209 (D) determines theoretical maximum specific gravity.
5: What is the primary purpose of a proof roll during subgrade inspection?
A. To measure in-place density
B. To identify soft spots or unstable areas
C. To determine moisture content
D. To verify gradation
ANSWER>> B. To identify soft spots or unstable areas
Rationale: A proof roll uses a heavily loaded vehicle to visually observe subgrade response.
Deflection, rutting, or pumping indicates weak areas requiring remediation before proceeding.
Density (A) is measured by nuclear gauge or sand cone.
6: Which AASHTO designation covers the specification for aggregates for bituminous paving
mixtures?
A. AASHTO M 6
B. AASHTO M 43
C. AASHTO M 147
D. AASHTO M 323
ANSWER>> D. AASHTO M 323
Rationale: AASHTO M 323 specifies requirements for aggregates used in hot mix asphalt (HMA)
pavements. M 6 (A) covers fine aggregate. M 43 (B) covers size designations. M 147 (C) covers
aggregates for base/subbase.
7: What is the acceptable temperature range for placing hot mix asphalt per typical
specifications?
A. 150-200°F
B. 220-275°F
C. 275-325°F
D. 325-375°F
ANSWER>> C. 275-325°F
Rationale: Typical HMA placement temperatures range from 275-325°F (135-163°C) depending
on binder grade. Temperatures too low cause poor compaction; too high cause binder
oxidation. Specific ranges are mix-design dependent.
8: Which instrument is used to measure in-place density of compacted soil or aggregate?
,A. Slump cone
B. Nuclear density gauge
C. Proctor mold
D. Marshall hammer
ANSWER>> B. Nuclear density gauge
Rationale: Nuclear density gauges measure in-place wet density and moisture content via
gamma/neutron scattering, allowing calculation of dry density and percent compaction. Sand
cone (AASHTO T 191) is an alternative method.
9: What does the term "lift" refer to in earthwork construction?
A. The height of a slope stake
B. A single layer of material placed and compacted
C. The vertical distance between grade stakes
D. The amount of material hauled per truck
ANSWER>> B. A single layer of material placed and compacted
Rationale: A "lift" is a single layer of soil or aggregate placed and compacted to specified
thickness. Proper lift thickness ensures adequate compaction energy reaches the full depth.
Typical lifts are 6-8 inches loose for granular materials.
10: Which test determines the percent of material passing the No. 200 sieve?
A. Sieve analysis (gradation)
B. Atterberg limits
C. Sand equivalent
D. Los Angeles abrasion
ANSWER>> A. Sieve analysis (gradation)
Rationale: Sieve analysis (AASHTO T 27/T 11) determines particle size distribution, including
percent passing the No. 200 (75 µm) sieve, which indicates fines content critical for drainage
and stability.
11: What is the primary purpose of tack coat in asphalt paving?
A. To provide a waterproofing layer
B. To bond successive asphalt layers
C. To reduce mix temperature
D. To improve aggregate gradation
ANSWER>> B. To bond successive asphalt layers
Rationale: Tack coat (emulsified asphalt) is applied between pavement lifts to ensure bonding
and prevent slippage. It is not a waterproofing layer (A) and does not affect mix temperature (C)
or gradation (D).
12: Which ASTM standard covers sampling fresh concrete?
A. ASTM C138
B. ASTM C143
, C. ASTM C172
D. ASTM C1064
ANSWER>> C. ASTM C172
Rationale: ASTM C172/C172M specifies procedures for sampling fresh concrete from mixers,
paving machines, or agitators to ensure representative samples for testing slump, air, strength,
etc.
13: What is the minimum curing period for concrete pavement before opening to traffic per
typical specifications?
A. 3 days
B. 7 days
C. 14 days
D. 28 days
ANSWER>> C. 14 days
Rationale: Typical DOT specifications require concrete pavement to cure a minimum of 14 days
(or until strength criteria are met) before opening to full traffic. Early opening risks cracking and
reduced service life.
14: Which test evaluates the resistance of coarse aggregate to degradation by abrasion?
A. Soundness test
B. Los Angeles abrasion test
C. Sand equivalent test
D. Flat and elongated particles
ANSWER>> B. Los Angeles abrasion test
Rationale: The Los Angeles abrasion test (AASHTO T 96/ASTM C131) measures aggregate
resistance to abrasion/impact using a rotating drum with steel charges. Lower loss percentages
indicate more durable aggregate.
15: What is the purpose of a control strip in asphalt paving?
A. To determine the mix design
B. To establish rolling patterns and density achievement
C. To test binder content
D. To measure pavement thickness
ANSWER>> B. To establish rolling patterns and density achievement
Rationale: A control strip is a test section paved before production to verify that the selected
equipment, rolling pattern, and lift thickness can achieve specified density. It validates the
compaction plan.
16: Which AASHTO test method determines the specific gravity of soils?
A. AASHTO T 85
B. AASHTO T 84
