ICC Prestressed Concrete Special
Inspector Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of prestressing concrete is to
A. increase concrete density
B. reduce shrinkage cracking
C. introduce compressive stresses to counteract tensile stresses
D. increase curing speed
Answer: C
Rationale: Prestressing applies compressive forces to concrete so that
tensile stresses from service loads are reduced or eliminated.
, 2. Prestressed concrete members are most effective when concrete is
A. low-strength
B. air-entrained only
C. high-strength with low permeability
D. lightweight
Answer: C
Rationale: High-strength, low-permeability concrete resists cracking and
accommodates high prestress forces.
3. Post-tensioning differs from pretensioning because post-tensioning
A. is done before concrete placement
B. uses bonded tendons only
C. stresses tendons after concrete has gained strength
D. eliminates the need for anchors
Answer: C
Rationale: In post-tensioning, tendons are stressed after the concrete has
cured sufficiently.
4. Pretensioned concrete is most commonly used in
A. cast-in-place slabs
, B. bridge piers
C. precast plant members
D. foundation walls
Answer: C
Rationale: Pretensioning requires fixed abutments typically available in
precast plants.
5. The device used to apply force to prestressing tendons is called a
A. vibrator
B. anchor plate
C. hydraulic jack
D. stressing chair
Answer: C
Rationale: Hydraulic jacks are used to apply controlled prestressing forces.
6. Loss of prestress due to concrete shrinkage is classified as
A. immediate loss
B. elastic loss
C. time-dependent loss
D. friction loss
, Answer: C
Rationale: Shrinkage occurs over time, reducing prestress force gradually.
7. Friction loss in post-tensioned tendons is primarily affected by
A. concrete strength
B. tendon curvature and duct surface
C. air content
D. aggregate size
Answer: B
Rationale: Curvature and duct roughness increase friction between tendon
and duct.
8. Anchorage zones in post-tensioned members must be inspected for
A. surface color
B. concrete slump
C. cracking and proper reinforcement
D. curing temperature only
Answer: C
Rationale: Anchorage zones experience high stresses and require adequate
reinforcement and crack control.
Inspector Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of prestressing concrete is to
A. increase concrete density
B. reduce shrinkage cracking
C. introduce compressive stresses to counteract tensile stresses
D. increase curing speed
Answer: C
Rationale: Prestressing applies compressive forces to concrete so that
tensile stresses from service loads are reduced or eliminated.
, 2. Prestressed concrete members are most effective when concrete is
A. low-strength
B. air-entrained only
C. high-strength with low permeability
D. lightweight
Answer: C
Rationale: High-strength, low-permeability concrete resists cracking and
accommodates high prestress forces.
3. Post-tensioning differs from pretensioning because post-tensioning
A. is done before concrete placement
B. uses bonded tendons only
C. stresses tendons after concrete has gained strength
D. eliminates the need for anchors
Answer: C
Rationale: In post-tensioning, tendons are stressed after the concrete has
cured sufficiently.
4. Pretensioned concrete is most commonly used in
A. cast-in-place slabs
, B. bridge piers
C. precast plant members
D. foundation walls
Answer: C
Rationale: Pretensioning requires fixed abutments typically available in
precast plants.
5. The device used to apply force to prestressing tendons is called a
A. vibrator
B. anchor plate
C. hydraulic jack
D. stressing chair
Answer: C
Rationale: Hydraulic jacks are used to apply controlled prestressing forces.
6. Loss of prestress due to concrete shrinkage is classified as
A. immediate loss
B. elastic loss
C. time-dependent loss
D. friction loss
, Answer: C
Rationale: Shrinkage occurs over time, reducing prestress force gradually.
7. Friction loss in post-tensioned tendons is primarily affected by
A. concrete strength
B. tendon curvature and duct surface
C. air content
D. aggregate size
Answer: B
Rationale: Curvature and duct roughness increase friction between tendon
and duct.
8. Anchorage zones in post-tensioned members must be inspected for
A. surface color
B. concrete slump
C. cracking and proper reinforcement
D. curing temperature only
Answer: C
Rationale: Anchorage zones experience high stresses and require adequate
reinforcement and crack control.
