ICC Structural Steel Special Inspector
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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Question 1
What is the minimum required tensile strength for ASTM A325 structural bolts?
A) 105 ksi
B) 120 ksi
C) 150 ksi
D) 90 ksi
Answer: B) 120 ksi. ASTM A325 bolts have a minimum tensile strength of 120 ksi
(827 MPa) for diameters up to 1 inch. This is a fundamental property
distinguishing them from A307 bolts (60 ksi) and is critical for proper bolt
classification during inspection.
Question 2
During visual inspection of a welded moment connection, what is the maximum
allowable undercut depth for material 1 inch thick?
A) 1/16 inch
B) 1/32 inch
C) 1/8 inch
D) 3/64 inch
,Answer: A) 1/16 inch. AWS D1.1 permits undercut up to 1/16 inch for material
thicknesses over 1 inch. For material 1 inch or less, the limit is 1/32 inch. This is a
common rejectable defect inspectors must identify.
Question 3
Which of the following documents establishes the minimum requirements for
structural steel inspection?
A) AISC 303
B) AWS D1.1
C) IBC Chapter 17
D) OSHA 1926
Answer: C) IBC Chapter 17. The International Building Code Chapter 17 sets forth
the special inspection requirements for structural steel, including the frequency
and types of inspections required. AWS D1.1 covers welding, AISC 303 covers
certification, and OSHA covers safety.
Question 4
What is the proper torque value for a 3/4-inch diameter A325 bolt in a snug-
tightened connection?
A) 150 ft-lb
B) 200 ft-lb
C) Snug-tight only, no specific torque
D) 90 ft-lb
Answer: C) Snug-tight only, no specific torque. Snug-tight is defined as the
tightness attained by a few impacts of an impact wrench or the full effort of a
worker using an ordinary spud wrench. No specific torque value applies; it is the
installation method, not a torque level.
,Question 5
In ultrasonic testing of welds, what does the term "indication" refer to?
A) A confirmed defect
B) A response on the instrument screen requiring interpretation
C) The weld reinforcement height
D) The angle of the sound beam
Answer: B) A response on the instrument screen requiring interpretation. An
indication is a signal that may be from a discontinuity, geometry, or other
source. It must be evaluated against acceptance criteria to determine if it is a
rejectable flaw.
Question 6
What is the maximum base metal thickness for which prequalified welding
procedures (without impact testing) apply under AWS D1.1?
A) 1 inch
B) 1.5 inches
C) 2 inches
D) 0.75 inches
Answer: A) 1 inch. AWS D1.1 prequalified WPSs are limited to base metal
thicknesses up to 1 inch unless impact testing is performed. This is a key
limitation inspectors must know for procedure qualification.
Question 7
When performing a visual inspection of a fillet weld, what is the minimum
acceptable leg size if the design drawing specifies a 1/4-inch fillet weld?
A) 3/16 inch
B) 1/4 inch
C) 7/32 inch
D) 5/16 inch
, Answer: B) 1/4 inch. The actual weld size must meet or exceed the design size.
Undersized fillet welds are rejectable unless specifically approved by the
engineer of record. Inspection gauges must verify the leg size.
Question 8
What is the primary purpose of the turn-of-nut method for bolt installation?
A) To achieve a specific torque value
B) To achieve proper bolt tension
C) To reduce installation time
D) To allow for bolt reuse
Answer: B) To achieve proper bolt tension. The turn-of-nut method rotates the
nut a specified amount from the snug-tight position to induce the required bolt
tension. It is a tension-control method, not a torque-control method.
Question 9
Which type of weld discontinuity is characterized by a linear cavity oriented
parallel to the weld axis?
A) Porosity
B) Slag inclusion
C) Lack of fusion
D) Crack
Answer: C) Lack of fusion. Lack of fusion appears as a planar discontinuity where
weld metal fails to fuse with base metal or previous weld passes. It is linear and
parallel to the weld axis in many cases, and is rejectable.
Question 10
What is the required minimum preheat temperature for ASTM A992 steel welded
with E70XX electrodes in 1-inch thick plate at 0°F ambient?
A) 50°F
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
Question 1
What is the minimum required tensile strength for ASTM A325 structural bolts?
A) 105 ksi
B) 120 ksi
C) 150 ksi
D) 90 ksi
Answer: B) 120 ksi. ASTM A325 bolts have a minimum tensile strength of 120 ksi
(827 MPa) for diameters up to 1 inch. This is a fundamental property
distinguishing them from A307 bolts (60 ksi) and is critical for proper bolt
classification during inspection.
Question 2
During visual inspection of a welded moment connection, what is the maximum
allowable undercut depth for material 1 inch thick?
A) 1/16 inch
B) 1/32 inch
C) 1/8 inch
D) 3/64 inch
,Answer: A) 1/16 inch. AWS D1.1 permits undercut up to 1/16 inch for material
thicknesses over 1 inch. For material 1 inch or less, the limit is 1/32 inch. This is a
common rejectable defect inspectors must identify.
Question 3
Which of the following documents establishes the minimum requirements for
structural steel inspection?
A) AISC 303
B) AWS D1.1
C) IBC Chapter 17
D) OSHA 1926
Answer: C) IBC Chapter 17. The International Building Code Chapter 17 sets forth
the special inspection requirements for structural steel, including the frequency
and types of inspections required. AWS D1.1 covers welding, AISC 303 covers
certification, and OSHA covers safety.
Question 4
What is the proper torque value for a 3/4-inch diameter A325 bolt in a snug-
tightened connection?
A) 150 ft-lb
B) 200 ft-lb
C) Snug-tight only, no specific torque
D) 90 ft-lb
Answer: C) Snug-tight only, no specific torque. Snug-tight is defined as the
tightness attained by a few impacts of an impact wrench or the full effort of a
worker using an ordinary spud wrench. No specific torque value applies; it is the
installation method, not a torque level.
,Question 5
In ultrasonic testing of welds, what does the term "indication" refer to?
A) A confirmed defect
B) A response on the instrument screen requiring interpretation
C) The weld reinforcement height
D) The angle of the sound beam
Answer: B) A response on the instrument screen requiring interpretation. An
indication is a signal that may be from a discontinuity, geometry, or other
source. It must be evaluated against acceptance criteria to determine if it is a
rejectable flaw.
Question 6
What is the maximum base metal thickness for which prequalified welding
procedures (without impact testing) apply under AWS D1.1?
A) 1 inch
B) 1.5 inches
C) 2 inches
D) 0.75 inches
Answer: A) 1 inch. AWS D1.1 prequalified WPSs are limited to base metal
thicknesses up to 1 inch unless impact testing is performed. This is a key
limitation inspectors must know for procedure qualification.
Question 7
When performing a visual inspection of a fillet weld, what is the minimum
acceptable leg size if the design drawing specifies a 1/4-inch fillet weld?
A) 3/16 inch
B) 1/4 inch
C) 7/32 inch
D) 5/16 inch
, Answer: B) 1/4 inch. The actual weld size must meet or exceed the design size.
Undersized fillet welds are rejectable unless specifically approved by the
engineer of record. Inspection gauges must verify the leg size.
Question 8
What is the primary purpose of the turn-of-nut method for bolt installation?
A) To achieve a specific torque value
B) To achieve proper bolt tension
C) To reduce installation time
D) To allow for bolt reuse
Answer: B) To achieve proper bolt tension. The turn-of-nut method rotates the
nut a specified amount from the snug-tight position to induce the required bolt
tension. It is a tension-control method, not a torque-control method.
Question 9
Which type of weld discontinuity is characterized by a linear cavity oriented
parallel to the weld axis?
A) Porosity
B) Slag inclusion
C) Lack of fusion
D) Crack
Answer: C) Lack of fusion. Lack of fusion appears as a planar discontinuity where
weld metal fails to fuse with base metal or previous weld passes. It is linear and
parallel to the weld axis in many cases, and is rejectable.
Question 10
What is the required minimum preheat temperature for ASTM A992 steel welded
with E70XX electrodes in 1-inch thick plate at 0°F ambient?
A) 50°F
