Tennessee Excavation Contractor Examination
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Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
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1. Under Tennessee's Building Construction classification system,
which category specifically covers excavation?
A. BC-13
B. BC-19
C. BC-28
D. BC-31
Answer: C. BC-28
Rationale: BC-28 is the designated Building Construction subcategory
for Excavation. BC-13 covers site and subdivision development, BC-19
covers concrete, and BC-31 covers demolition.
, 2. What is the primary purpose of establishing a benchmark before
excavation begins?
A. To determine the contractor's profit margin
B. To provide a known elevation reference
C. To determine soil classification automatically
D. To calculate equipment depreciation
Answer: B. To provide a known elevation reference
Rationale: A benchmark provides a known elevation from which
grades, excavation depths, foundation elevations, drainage slopes,
and other vertical dimensions can be established and checked.
3. Before excavating near existing underground utilities, the
contractor should first:
A. Begin excavation with a small bucket
B. Obtain utility-location information and verify markings
C. Remove the pavement immediately
D. Increase excavation speed
Answer: B. Obtain utility-location information and verify markings
Rationale: Existing underground utilities can present serious hazards
and cause costly service interruptions. Contractors should use the
,applicable utility-locating process and verify field markings before
excavation.
4. What does the term "cut" generally mean in earthwork?
A. Placing soil above existing grade
B. Removing soil to lower the existing elevation
C. Compacting soil at its existing elevation
D. Installing underground pipe
Answer: B. Removing soil to lower the existing elevation
Rationale: A cut involves removing earth to create a lower grade or
excavation. Fill, by contrast, involves placing material to raise an
elevation.
5. What is "fill" in excavation and grading work?
A. Soil or other approved material placed to raise grade
B. Soil removed from a trench
C. Water removed from a site
D. Concrete placed around pipe
Answer: A. Soil or other approved material placed to raise grade
, Rationale: Fill is placed material used to achieve the required design
elevation. Proper material selection, moisture control, placement, and
compaction are essential for stable results.
6. Which instrument is commonly used by a surveyor to establish or
check elevations?
A. Pipe wrench
B. Level or total station
C. Concrete vibrator
D. Torque wrench
Answer: B. Level or total station
Rationale: Surveying instruments such as levels and total stations
allow construction personnel to establish horizontal and vertical
control and verify grades and elevations.
7. Why is proper site drainage important during excavation?
A. It eliminates the need for surveying
B. It prevents all soil from being excavated
C. It helps control water that can destabilize excavations and work
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. Under Tennessee's Building Construction classification system,
which category specifically covers excavation?
A. BC-13
B. BC-19
C. BC-28
D. BC-31
Answer: C. BC-28
Rationale: BC-28 is the designated Building Construction subcategory
for Excavation. BC-13 covers site and subdivision development, BC-19
covers concrete, and BC-31 covers demolition.
, 2. What is the primary purpose of establishing a benchmark before
excavation begins?
A. To determine the contractor's profit margin
B. To provide a known elevation reference
C. To determine soil classification automatically
D. To calculate equipment depreciation
Answer: B. To provide a known elevation reference
Rationale: A benchmark provides a known elevation from which
grades, excavation depths, foundation elevations, drainage slopes,
and other vertical dimensions can be established and checked.
3. Before excavating near existing underground utilities, the
contractor should first:
A. Begin excavation with a small bucket
B. Obtain utility-location information and verify markings
C. Remove the pavement immediately
D. Increase excavation speed
Answer: B. Obtain utility-location information and verify markings
Rationale: Existing underground utilities can present serious hazards
and cause costly service interruptions. Contractors should use the
,applicable utility-locating process and verify field markings before
excavation.
4. What does the term "cut" generally mean in earthwork?
A. Placing soil above existing grade
B. Removing soil to lower the existing elevation
C. Compacting soil at its existing elevation
D. Installing underground pipe
Answer: B. Removing soil to lower the existing elevation
Rationale: A cut involves removing earth to create a lower grade or
excavation. Fill, by contrast, involves placing material to raise an
elevation.
5. What is "fill" in excavation and grading work?
A. Soil or other approved material placed to raise grade
B. Soil removed from a trench
C. Water removed from a site
D. Concrete placed around pipe
Answer: A. Soil or other approved material placed to raise grade
, Rationale: Fill is placed material used to achieve the required design
elevation. Proper material selection, moisture control, placement, and
compaction are essential for stable results.
6. Which instrument is commonly used by a surveyor to establish or
check elevations?
A. Pipe wrench
B. Level or total station
C. Concrete vibrator
D. Torque wrench
Answer: B. Level or total station
Rationale: Surveying instruments such as levels and total stations
allow construction personnel to establish horizontal and vertical
control and verify grades and elevations.
7. Why is proper site drainage important during excavation?
A. It eliminates the need for surveying
B. It prevents all soil from being excavated
C. It helps control water that can destabilize excavations and work
