PTP MODULE 2 EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How many days after a foundation is poured should you wait before backfilling? -
Answers :7 days is safe (28 days is ideal, but unrealistic)
What phases need to be completed before the backfill? - Answers :-Waterproofing
- Drain Tile
- Foundation / Footers
What is rebar? - Answers :Steel bar used as tension device set inside the concrete form
to reinforce concrete strength
How is rebar measured? - Answers :By eighths
In relation to the thickness of the footing, where should rebar be placed? - Answers
:Installed at the bottom third of the footing
What is a stanchion pad? - Answers :A concrete pier used to support a stanchion post
or steel "lolly" column
How do you determine the size (dimensions) of a stanchion pad? - Answers
:Foundation plans or check blueprints (minimum thickness is 12")
Frost Footing - Answers :Footing used in low grade condition which extends below the
depth that the ground will freeze
Spread or Floater Footing - Answers :- An unformed footer used when poor soil
conditions exist
- Larger depth and width
- Uses rebar
Conventional Footing - Answers :A 4"x4" trenched and formed footer
Pinning a Footing - Answers :- To pin point side of house with spray-paint
- Or giving more support to a footer so it doesn't shift
What are some items that should be marked on the footing/foundation plan for the
footing contractor? - Answers :- Sleeves
- Rebar hooks for wall bracing
- Elevation
- Frost footing location
- Stanchion Pads
Describe a Frost Line - Answers :The area below grade in which the ground freezes;
requires frost footings
, What is the minimum frost line in your area? - Answers :2'
What are some indications or conditions that may necessitate a change to the normal
footing? - Answers :- Bad ground change
- Code changes
Within what time frame should be the footing material be removed? - Answers :24 hours
Where should any excess concrete be unloaded? - Answers :On 10 mil poly and
returned to concrete plant
What is a keyway, and what size should it be? - Answers :A notch or groove in a footer
or poured wall designed to provide a channel for the concrete to tie into. 1 1/2" deep by
3 1/2" wide
Describe the process used to "lay out" a footing using the excavation hubs - Answers
:Measure from the stake to the pin in the footer
How would you determine if a footing is square? - Answers :Diagnonals
How would you determine if a footing is level? - Answers :Builder's level or laser level
What are the maximum tolerances for a footing? - Answers :Out of square: 1/2"
Out of level: 1/4"
Dimensional: 1/2"
Excavator - Answers :- AKA Track Hoe
- Dig holes/trenches quickly
- Best with digging holes and loading trucks for hauling
Track Loader - Answers :Good at moving large amount of dirt; not ideal for small areas
Bobcat - Answers :Utility type machine able to attach many things to move, dig, crush,
material etc...
Bulldozer - Answers :Machine with metal plow used to push various materials for
grading, moving dirt, etc...
What should you do with topsoil that is on the lot? - Answers :Scrape it off and save it
for grading after backfill
Why is it important to use clean fill for a backfill? - Answers :- Could cause voids or
damage to your draintile or waterproofing
- Could include radon or methane
How many days after a foundation is poured should you wait before backfilling? -
Answers :7 days is safe (28 days is ideal, but unrealistic)
What phases need to be completed before the backfill? - Answers :-Waterproofing
- Drain Tile
- Foundation / Footers
What is rebar? - Answers :Steel bar used as tension device set inside the concrete form
to reinforce concrete strength
How is rebar measured? - Answers :By eighths
In relation to the thickness of the footing, where should rebar be placed? - Answers
:Installed at the bottom third of the footing
What is a stanchion pad? - Answers :A concrete pier used to support a stanchion post
or steel "lolly" column
How do you determine the size (dimensions) of a stanchion pad? - Answers
:Foundation plans or check blueprints (minimum thickness is 12")
Frost Footing - Answers :Footing used in low grade condition which extends below the
depth that the ground will freeze
Spread or Floater Footing - Answers :- An unformed footer used when poor soil
conditions exist
- Larger depth and width
- Uses rebar
Conventional Footing - Answers :A 4"x4" trenched and formed footer
Pinning a Footing - Answers :- To pin point side of house with spray-paint
- Or giving more support to a footer so it doesn't shift
What are some items that should be marked on the footing/foundation plan for the
footing contractor? - Answers :- Sleeves
- Rebar hooks for wall bracing
- Elevation
- Frost footing location
- Stanchion Pads
Describe a Frost Line - Answers :The area below grade in which the ground freezes;
requires frost footings
, What is the minimum frost line in your area? - Answers :2'
What are some indications or conditions that may necessitate a change to the normal
footing? - Answers :- Bad ground change
- Code changes
Within what time frame should be the footing material be removed? - Answers :24 hours
Where should any excess concrete be unloaded? - Answers :On 10 mil poly and
returned to concrete plant
What is a keyway, and what size should it be? - Answers :A notch or groove in a footer
or poured wall designed to provide a channel for the concrete to tie into. 1 1/2" deep by
3 1/2" wide
Describe the process used to "lay out" a footing using the excavation hubs - Answers
:Measure from the stake to the pin in the footer
How would you determine if a footing is square? - Answers :Diagnonals
How would you determine if a footing is level? - Answers :Builder's level or laser level
What are the maximum tolerances for a footing? - Answers :Out of square: 1/2"
Out of level: 1/4"
Dimensional: 1/2"
Excavator - Answers :- AKA Track Hoe
- Dig holes/trenches quickly
- Best with digging holes and loading trucks for hauling
Track Loader - Answers :Good at moving large amount of dirt; not ideal for small areas
Bobcat - Answers :Utility type machine able to attach many things to move, dig, crush,
material etc...
Bulldozer - Answers :Machine with metal plow used to push various materials for
grading, moving dirt, etc...
What should you do with topsoil that is on the lot? - Answers :Scrape it off and save it
for grading after backfill
Why is it important to use clean fill for a backfill? - Answers :- Could cause voids or
damage to your draintile or waterproofing
- Could include radon or methane
