CON 1400 Exam Review Actual Exam
2026/2027 with Detailed Rationales | 100%
Verified | Pass Guaranteed
SECTION 1: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & PROPERTIES (Questions
1–18)
Q1: Which of the following is the primary factor that determines the compressive
strength of Portland cement concrete?
A. The ratio of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate
B. The water-to-cementitious materials ratio
C. The type of formwork used during placement
D. The ambient temperature at the time of finishing
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the water-to-cementitious materials (w/cm) ratio is the most
significant variable controlling concrete strength; lower ratios produce higher strength
and lower permeability.
Q2: A structural steel beam is designated as W24×84. What does the number "84"
represent in this designation?
A. The depth of the beam in millimeters
B. The weight per linear foot in pounds
C. The moment of inertia in inches to the fourth power
D. The flange width in inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because in ASTM A6 wide-flange (W) shape designations, the first
number indicates nominal depth in inches, and the second number indicates weight per
linear foot in pounds.
,Q3: Which wood species group is classified as having the highest specific gravity and is
therefore most suitable for heavy timber construction?
A. Group B (e.g., Douglas Fir-Larch)
B. Group C (e.g., Hem-Fir)
C. Group A (e.g., Southern Pine)
D. Group D (e.g., Spruce-Pine-Fir)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Group A species, including Southern Pine, possess the
highest specific gravity and design values, making them preferred for heavy timber and
high-load applications.
Q4: In masonry construction, what is the primary purpose of adding lime to Portland
cement mortar?
A. To increase the mortar's compressive strength
B. To improve workability and water retention
C. To accelerate the initial set time
, D. To reduce the mortar's bond to the masonry units
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because lime enhances workability, plasticity, and water retention in
mortar, improving adhesion to masonry units without significantly increasing strength.
Q5: Which composite material is most commonly specified for bridge deck
rehabilitation due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance?
A. Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar
B. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates
C. Basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) mesh
D. Aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) tendons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because CFRP laminates are the standard choice for external
strengthening of concrete bridge decks due to their exceptional tensile strength, light
weight, and immunity to corrosion.
2026/2027 with Detailed Rationales | 100%
Verified | Pass Guaranteed
SECTION 1: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & PROPERTIES (Questions
1–18)
Q1: Which of the following is the primary factor that determines the compressive
strength of Portland cement concrete?
A. The ratio of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate
B. The water-to-cementitious materials ratio
C. The type of formwork used during placement
D. The ambient temperature at the time of finishing
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the water-to-cementitious materials (w/cm) ratio is the most
significant variable controlling concrete strength; lower ratios produce higher strength
and lower permeability.
Q2: A structural steel beam is designated as W24×84. What does the number "84"
represent in this designation?
A. The depth of the beam in millimeters
B. The weight per linear foot in pounds
C. The moment of inertia in inches to the fourth power
D. The flange width in inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because in ASTM A6 wide-flange (W) shape designations, the first
number indicates nominal depth in inches, and the second number indicates weight per
linear foot in pounds.
,Q3: Which wood species group is classified as having the highest specific gravity and is
therefore most suitable for heavy timber construction?
A. Group B (e.g., Douglas Fir-Larch)
B. Group C (e.g., Hem-Fir)
C. Group A (e.g., Southern Pine)
D. Group D (e.g., Spruce-Pine-Fir)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because Group A species, including Southern Pine, possess the
highest specific gravity and design values, making them preferred for heavy timber and
high-load applications.
Q4: In masonry construction, what is the primary purpose of adding lime to Portland
cement mortar?
A. To increase the mortar's compressive strength
B. To improve workability and water retention
C. To accelerate the initial set time
, D. To reduce the mortar's bond to the masonry units
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because lime enhances workability, plasticity, and water retention in
mortar, improving adhesion to masonry units without significantly increasing strength.
Q5: Which composite material is most commonly specified for bridge deck
rehabilitation due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance?
A. Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar
B. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates
C. Basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) mesh
D. Aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) tendons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because CFRP laminates are the standard choice for external
strengthening of concrete bridge decks due to their exceptional tensile strength, light
weight, and immunity to corrosion.
