Virginia (VA) STLSteel Erection Practice
Exam Questions & Correct Answers
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1. Which regulation specifically governs steel erection safety practices on
construction sites in Virginia?
A) OSHA 1910
B) OSHA 1926 Subpart R
C) NFPA 70
D) AISC 360
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA 1926 Subpart R (29 CFR 1926.750-799) contains the mandatory
safety standards for steel erection activities nationwide, including Virginia. This subpart
sets forth requirements to protect employees from hazards associated with steel
erection involved in constructing, altering, and/or repairing buildings, bridges, and other
structures.
2. What is the primary purpose of installing temporary guy wires during steel
column erection?
A) To permanently secure the column to the foundation
B) To provide a grounding path for lightning strikes
C) To maintain plumb and stability until permanent connections are complete
D) To serve as an attachment point for fall arrest systems
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Temporary guy wires are used as part of the guying and bracing system to
stabilize columns and structural framing against wind, seismic, or erection loads until
permanent structural connections are completed. This prevents collapse and maintains
the structure's stability during the erection process.
,3. What is the minimum wire rope safety factor required for hoisting operations
under OSHA?
A) 3:1
B) 4:1
C) 5:1
D) 7:1
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: OSHA requires a minimum safety factor of 5:1 for wire rope used in
hoisting operations. This ensures that the rope has sufficient strength to handle loads
well beyond its rated capacity, providing a margin of safety for dynamic forces and
potential wear.
4. A beam experiencing maximum bending stress will have the highest stress at:
A) Neutral axis
B) Top and bottom fibers
C) Center web
D) Connection bolts
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bending stress is greatest at the extreme fibers farthest from the neutral
axis—the top and bottom of the beam. As a beam bends, the top fibers are compressed,
and the bottom fibers are stretched, creating maximum stress at these outer surfaces.
5. Buckling of a steel column is most influenced by:
A) Steel grade only
B) Column slenderness ratio
C) Bolt diameter
D) Welding method
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The slenderness ratio (KL/r) determines a column's susceptibility to
buckling under compression. A higher ratio means greater instability and a greater
likelihood of buckling before the material reaches its yield strength.
6. High-strength structural bolts are governed by which specification?
A) ASTM A6
B) ASTM F3125
C) AWS D1.1
D) AISC 303
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ASTM F3125 is the current specification for high-strength structural bolts,
covering the former A325 and A490 grades used in steel structures. This specification
ensures proper manufacturing, mechanical properties, and quality for critical bolted
connections.
7. The turn-of-nut tightening method is intended to achieve:
A) Visual alignment
B) Proper bolt pretension
C) Corrosion resistance
D) Decorative finish
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The turn-of-nut method ensures the required clamping force (pretension)
in high-strength bolts, preventing joint slippage and ensuring structural integrity. This
method involves tightening the nut a specific rotation from the snug-tight position to
achieve the necessary tension.
8. Which standard governs structural steel welding?
A) AWS D1.1
B) AWS D1.3
C) ANSI Z49.1
D) AISC 341
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: AWS D1.1 is the Structural Welding Code - Steel, covering requirements
for welding structural steel in buildings and other structures. It provides comprehensive
procedures, qualifications, and inspection criteria for welded connections.
9. When welding in the field, what document specifies the essential variables for
the welding procedure to be used?
A) The erector's safety manual
B) The Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
C) The mill test report for the steel
D) The crane operator's manual
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) provides the directed variables
for the welder to follow to ensure sound and code-compliant welds, specifying essential
variables such as base metal, filler metal, preheat, and interpass temperature. The WPS
must be qualified through testing before use.
, 10. What is the maximum free-fall distance permitted for a Personal Fall Arrest
System (PFAS) under OSHA?
A) 4 feet
B) 5 feet
C) 6 feet
D) 8 feet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: OSHA limits the maximum free-fall distance to 6 feet for a personal fall
arrest system. This restriction is designed to limit the forces placed on the worker's body
and the PFAS equipment during a fall.
11. The "Designated Employee" (DE) on a Virginia steel project is required to:
A) Sign all shop drawings
B) Supervise daily erection activities and ensure compliance with the VUSBC
C) Perform all welding inspections personally
D) Issue the construction permit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Designated Employee is the on-site representative responsible for
daily supervision of erection activities and ensuring compliance with the Virginia
Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). The DE must be identified to the licensing
board.
12. A "competent person" is defined by OSHA as someone who:
A) Has a professional engineer license
B) Can identify and correct hazards and has the authority to take corrective measures
C) Owns the company
D) Passed a trade exam
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA defines a competent person as someone capable of identifying
existing and predictable hazards and who has the authority to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them. This authority is crucial for stopping unsafe work.
13. Fall protection is required in steel erection when exposure exceeds what
height?
A) 6 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 15 feet
D) 20 feet
Exam Questions & Correct Answers
Verified Plus Rationales 2026 | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which regulation specifically governs steel erection safety practices on
construction sites in Virginia?
A) OSHA 1910
B) OSHA 1926 Subpart R
C) NFPA 70
D) AISC 360
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA 1926 Subpart R (29 CFR 1926.750-799) contains the mandatory
safety standards for steel erection activities nationwide, including Virginia. This subpart
sets forth requirements to protect employees from hazards associated with steel
erection involved in constructing, altering, and/or repairing buildings, bridges, and other
structures.
2. What is the primary purpose of installing temporary guy wires during steel
column erection?
A) To permanently secure the column to the foundation
B) To provide a grounding path for lightning strikes
C) To maintain plumb and stability until permanent connections are complete
D) To serve as an attachment point for fall arrest systems
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Temporary guy wires are used as part of the guying and bracing system to
stabilize columns and structural framing against wind, seismic, or erection loads until
permanent structural connections are completed. This prevents collapse and maintains
the structure's stability during the erection process.
,3. What is the minimum wire rope safety factor required for hoisting operations
under OSHA?
A) 3:1
B) 4:1
C) 5:1
D) 7:1
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: OSHA requires a minimum safety factor of 5:1 for wire rope used in
hoisting operations. This ensures that the rope has sufficient strength to handle loads
well beyond its rated capacity, providing a margin of safety for dynamic forces and
potential wear.
4. A beam experiencing maximum bending stress will have the highest stress at:
A) Neutral axis
B) Top and bottom fibers
C) Center web
D) Connection bolts
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bending stress is greatest at the extreme fibers farthest from the neutral
axis—the top and bottom of the beam. As a beam bends, the top fibers are compressed,
and the bottom fibers are stretched, creating maximum stress at these outer surfaces.
5. Buckling of a steel column is most influenced by:
A) Steel grade only
B) Column slenderness ratio
C) Bolt diameter
D) Welding method
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The slenderness ratio (KL/r) determines a column's susceptibility to
buckling under compression. A higher ratio means greater instability and a greater
likelihood of buckling before the material reaches its yield strength.
6. High-strength structural bolts are governed by which specification?
A) ASTM A6
B) ASTM F3125
C) AWS D1.1
D) AISC 303
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ASTM F3125 is the current specification for high-strength structural bolts,
covering the former A325 and A490 grades used in steel structures. This specification
ensures proper manufacturing, mechanical properties, and quality for critical bolted
connections.
7. The turn-of-nut tightening method is intended to achieve:
A) Visual alignment
B) Proper bolt pretension
C) Corrosion resistance
D) Decorative finish
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The turn-of-nut method ensures the required clamping force (pretension)
in high-strength bolts, preventing joint slippage and ensuring structural integrity. This
method involves tightening the nut a specific rotation from the snug-tight position to
achieve the necessary tension.
8. Which standard governs structural steel welding?
A) AWS D1.1
B) AWS D1.3
C) ANSI Z49.1
D) AISC 341
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: AWS D1.1 is the Structural Welding Code - Steel, covering requirements
for welding structural steel in buildings and other structures. It provides comprehensive
procedures, qualifications, and inspection criteria for welded connections.
9. When welding in the field, what document specifies the essential variables for
the welding procedure to be used?
A) The erector's safety manual
B) The Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
C) The mill test report for the steel
D) The crane operator's manual
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) provides the directed variables
for the welder to follow to ensure sound and code-compliant welds, specifying essential
variables such as base metal, filler metal, preheat, and interpass temperature. The WPS
must be qualified through testing before use.
, 10. What is the maximum free-fall distance permitted for a Personal Fall Arrest
System (PFAS) under OSHA?
A) 4 feet
B) 5 feet
C) 6 feet
D) 8 feet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: OSHA limits the maximum free-fall distance to 6 feet for a personal fall
arrest system. This restriction is designed to limit the forces placed on the worker's body
and the PFAS equipment during a fall.
11. The "Designated Employee" (DE) on a Virginia steel project is required to:
A) Sign all shop drawings
B) Supervise daily erection activities and ensure compliance with the VUSBC
C) Perform all welding inspections personally
D) Issue the construction permit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Designated Employee is the on-site representative responsible for
daily supervision of erection activities and ensuring compliance with the Virginia
Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). The DE must be identified to the licensing
board.
12. A "competent person" is defined by OSHA as someone who:
A) Has a professional engineer license
B) Can identify and correct hazards and has the authority to take corrective measures
C) Owns the company
D) Passed a trade exam
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA defines a competent person as someone capable of identifying
existing and predictable hazards and who has the authority to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them. This authority is crucial for stopping unsafe work.
13. Fall protection is required in steel erection when exposure exceeds what
height?
A) 6 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 15 feet
D) 20 feet
