ICC Prestressed Concrete Special
Inspector Examination (Category 92)
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Question 1
What is the primary responsibility of the Special Inspector for a prestressed
concrete project according to IBC Chapter 17?
A) To design the prestressing system and select appropriate materials
B) To perform daily site safety inspections and enforce OSHA regulations
C) To verify compliance with the approved construction documents and applicable
code provisions, and report findings to the building official and engineer of record
D) To supervise the concrete placement crew and direct their activities
Answer: C
Rationale: The Special Inspector’s primary role is to observe and verify that the
work, especially the specialized prestressing operations, is performed in
accordance with the approved plans and specifications. They are required to
report any deviations or discrepancies to both the engineer of record and the
building official. This is the core duty outlined in Chapter 17 of the IBC and
referenced in the ICC exam content .
Question 2
According to IBC Chapter 17, a Statement of Special Inspections must be prepared
by whom?
A) The General Contractor
B) The Registered Design Professional
,C) The Special Inspector
D) The Building Official
Answer: B
Rationale: The Registered Design Professional (RDP) is responsible for preparing
the Statement of Special Inspections, which identifies the specific items that
require special inspection, such as prestressing operations. This document
guides the Special Inspector’s work .
Question 3
Which document officially designates the authority and scope of work for a
Special Inspector on a specific project?
A) The Special Inspector's certification card from the ICC
B) The Owner's contract with the General Contractor
C) The project-specific Special Inspection Specification (SIS) or Statement of
Special Inspections
D) The local building code handbook
Answer: C
Rationale: The Special Inspection Specification (SIS) or Statement of Special
Inspections is the project-specific document that outlines the scope,
responsibilities, and authority of the Special Inspector. It is prepared by the
Registered Design Professional and is the primary guide for the inspector's
duties .
Question 4
What is the required action if a Special Inspector observes a deviation from the
approved plans and specifications?
A) Immediately stop all work on the project
B) Notify the contractor of the deviation. If uncorrected, notify the
architect/engineer of record and the building official.
C) Document the deviation in the daily log and continue observation
D) Correct the deviation by instructing the workers on the correct method
,Answer: B
Rationale: The proper chain of notification is a critical duty. The inspector must
first bring the discrepancy to the contractor's attention. If the contractor fails to
correct the issue, the inspector is then required to notify the engineer of record
and the building official .
Question 5
How often must a Special Inspector submit a written report on the progress of
inspections?
A) Weekly
B) Monthly
C) At the completion of each major inspection activity or as required by the
building official
D) Only at project completion
Answer: C
Rationale: The Special Inspector is required to submit progress reports
describing the tests performed and the compliance of the work. This is typically
done after each major phase of inspection, such as after the placement of
reinforcement and tendons, after stressing, or after grouting .
Question 6
Which ASTM standard covers the requirements for 7-wire prestressing steel
strand?
A) ASTM A615
B) ASTM A706
C) ASTM A416
D) ASTM A1035
Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM A416 is the standard specification for low-relaxation and
stress-relieved steel strand for prestressed concrete. This is the fundamental
material standard for prestressing tendons. ASTM A615 and A706 cover
conventional reinforcing bars .
, Question 7
What is the minimum ultimate tensile strength for a Grade 270 low-relaxation
prestressing strand?
A) 250 ksi
B) 260 ksi
C) 270 ksi
D) 280 ksi
Answer: C
Rationale: Grade 270 strand has a specified minimum ultimate tensile strength
of 270 ksi (1860 MPa). The grade designation corresponds directly to its
minimum breaking strength .
Question 8
The modulus of elasticity (Es) for a 7-wire prestressing strand is typically taken as:
A) 28,000 ksi
B) 29,000 ksi
C) 31,000 ksi
D) 35,000 ksi
Answer: C
Rationale: The standard accepted value for the modulus of elasticity of 7-wire
prestressing strands is approximately 31,000 ksi (or 210 GPa). This value is
essential for calculating theoretical tendon elongation during stressing .
Question 9
Which type of reinforcing steel is used for shear reinforcement in a prestressed
concrete beam?
A) Prestressing strand
B) Smooth dowel bars
C) Deformed reinforcing bars (stirrups)
D) Welded wire fabric
Answer: C
Rationale: Stirrups, typically made from deformed reinforcing bars, are used as
Inspector Examination (Category 92)
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
Question 1
What is the primary responsibility of the Special Inspector for a prestressed
concrete project according to IBC Chapter 17?
A) To design the prestressing system and select appropriate materials
B) To perform daily site safety inspections and enforce OSHA regulations
C) To verify compliance with the approved construction documents and applicable
code provisions, and report findings to the building official and engineer of record
D) To supervise the concrete placement crew and direct their activities
Answer: C
Rationale: The Special Inspector’s primary role is to observe and verify that the
work, especially the specialized prestressing operations, is performed in
accordance with the approved plans and specifications. They are required to
report any deviations or discrepancies to both the engineer of record and the
building official. This is the core duty outlined in Chapter 17 of the IBC and
referenced in the ICC exam content .
Question 2
According to IBC Chapter 17, a Statement of Special Inspections must be prepared
by whom?
A) The General Contractor
B) The Registered Design Professional
,C) The Special Inspector
D) The Building Official
Answer: B
Rationale: The Registered Design Professional (RDP) is responsible for preparing
the Statement of Special Inspections, which identifies the specific items that
require special inspection, such as prestressing operations. This document
guides the Special Inspector’s work .
Question 3
Which document officially designates the authority and scope of work for a
Special Inspector on a specific project?
A) The Special Inspector's certification card from the ICC
B) The Owner's contract with the General Contractor
C) The project-specific Special Inspection Specification (SIS) or Statement of
Special Inspections
D) The local building code handbook
Answer: C
Rationale: The Special Inspection Specification (SIS) or Statement of Special
Inspections is the project-specific document that outlines the scope,
responsibilities, and authority of the Special Inspector. It is prepared by the
Registered Design Professional and is the primary guide for the inspector's
duties .
Question 4
What is the required action if a Special Inspector observes a deviation from the
approved plans and specifications?
A) Immediately stop all work on the project
B) Notify the contractor of the deviation. If uncorrected, notify the
architect/engineer of record and the building official.
C) Document the deviation in the daily log and continue observation
D) Correct the deviation by instructing the workers on the correct method
,Answer: B
Rationale: The proper chain of notification is a critical duty. The inspector must
first bring the discrepancy to the contractor's attention. If the contractor fails to
correct the issue, the inspector is then required to notify the engineer of record
and the building official .
Question 5
How often must a Special Inspector submit a written report on the progress of
inspections?
A) Weekly
B) Monthly
C) At the completion of each major inspection activity or as required by the
building official
D) Only at project completion
Answer: C
Rationale: The Special Inspector is required to submit progress reports
describing the tests performed and the compliance of the work. This is typically
done after each major phase of inspection, such as after the placement of
reinforcement and tendons, after stressing, or after grouting .
Question 6
Which ASTM standard covers the requirements for 7-wire prestressing steel
strand?
A) ASTM A615
B) ASTM A706
C) ASTM A416
D) ASTM A1035
Answer: C
Rationale: ASTM A416 is the standard specification for low-relaxation and
stress-relieved steel strand for prestressed concrete. This is the fundamental
material standard for prestressing tendons. ASTM A615 and A706 cover
conventional reinforcing bars .
, Question 7
What is the minimum ultimate tensile strength for a Grade 270 low-relaxation
prestressing strand?
A) 250 ksi
B) 260 ksi
C) 270 ksi
D) 280 ksi
Answer: C
Rationale: Grade 270 strand has a specified minimum ultimate tensile strength
of 270 ksi (1860 MPa). The grade designation corresponds directly to its
minimum breaking strength .
Question 8
The modulus of elasticity (Es) for a 7-wire prestressing strand is typically taken as:
A) 28,000 ksi
B) 29,000 ksi
C) 31,000 ksi
D) 35,000 ksi
Answer: C
Rationale: The standard accepted value for the modulus of elasticity of 7-wire
prestressing strands is approximately 31,000 ksi (or 210 GPa). This value is
essential for calculating theoretical tendon elongation during stressing .
Question 9
Which type of reinforcing steel is used for shear reinforcement in a prestressed
concrete beam?
A) Prestressing strand
B) Smooth dowel bars
C) Deformed reinforcing bars (stirrups)
D) Welded wire fabric
Answer: C
Rationale: Stirrups, typically made from deformed reinforcing bars, are used as
