AR BD Bridge Construction Contractor Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
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1. What is the primary function of a bridge superstructure?
A. To transfer soil pressure directly into the ground
B. To prevent groundwater from entering the foundation
C. To carry traffic loads and transfer them to the substructure
D. To provide drainage for adjacent roadways
Rationale: The superstructure includes the bridge deck, girders,
beams, and associated components that carry traffic and other
applied loads. These loads are transferred through bearings to the
substructure, which then distributes them to the foundations and
supporting soil or rock.
,2. Which bridge component primarily supports the superstructure at
intermediate locations over a long bridge?
A. Abutment
B. Pier
C. Approach slab
D. Wing wall
Rationale: Piers are intermediate supports that transfer loads from
the superstructure to the foundations. They may consist of columns,
caps, walls, or other structural configurations. Abutments typically
support the ends of a bridge, while wing walls retain approach
embankment soil.
3. What is the principal purpose of an abutment?
A. To provide expansion joints in the deck
B. To support temporary construction equipment only
C. To support the bridge end and retain the approach embankment
D. To distribute pavement markings
Rationale: Abutments provide end support for the bridge
superstructure and commonly retain the soil behind the bridge. They
,also transfer vertical and horizontal forces to their foundations and
may accommodate bearings, approach slabs, and drainage systems.
4. Which type of bridge is characterized by a curved structural
member that primarily carries loads through compression?
A. Suspension bridge
B. Cable-stayed bridge
C. Arch bridge
D. Simple beam bridge
Rationale: An arch transfers loads along its curved profile primarily
through compression. The arch supports generate horizontal thrust
that must be resisted by abutments, foundations, or structural ties.
The design must account for the arch geometry, material properties,
and loading conditions.
5. What is the main purpose of bridge bearings?
A. To eliminate all movement in the bridge
B. To transfer loads while accommodating designed movements and
rotations
C. To prevent concrete from curing too quickly
D. To support construction scaffolding permanently
, Rationale: Bearings transfer forces between the superstructure and
substructure while permitting movements and rotations specified by
the design. Thermal expansion, contraction, creep, shrinkage, and
live-load effects can produce movement that must be accommodated
without damaging the structure.
6. Which bridge type commonly uses triangular arrangements of
members to distribute forces efficiently?
A. Slab-only bridge
B. Truss bridge
C. Floating bridge
D. Cantilever retaining wall
Rationale: A truss consists of interconnected members arranged in
triangular configurations. The geometry provides structural stability
and allows loads to be carried primarily through axial tension and
compression in the members. Trusses require properly designed
connections and bracing.
7. What is the principal purpose of a bridge expansion joint?
A. To increase the dead load of the bridge
B. To prevent all deck deflection
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a bridge superstructure?
A. To transfer soil pressure directly into the ground
B. To prevent groundwater from entering the foundation
C. To carry traffic loads and transfer them to the substructure
D. To provide drainage for adjacent roadways
Rationale: The superstructure includes the bridge deck, girders,
beams, and associated components that carry traffic and other
applied loads. These loads are transferred through bearings to the
substructure, which then distributes them to the foundations and
supporting soil or rock.
,2. Which bridge component primarily supports the superstructure at
intermediate locations over a long bridge?
A. Abutment
B. Pier
C. Approach slab
D. Wing wall
Rationale: Piers are intermediate supports that transfer loads from
the superstructure to the foundations. They may consist of columns,
caps, walls, or other structural configurations. Abutments typically
support the ends of a bridge, while wing walls retain approach
embankment soil.
3. What is the principal purpose of an abutment?
A. To provide expansion joints in the deck
B. To support temporary construction equipment only
C. To support the bridge end and retain the approach embankment
D. To distribute pavement markings
Rationale: Abutments provide end support for the bridge
superstructure and commonly retain the soil behind the bridge. They
,also transfer vertical and horizontal forces to their foundations and
may accommodate bearings, approach slabs, and drainage systems.
4. Which type of bridge is characterized by a curved structural
member that primarily carries loads through compression?
A. Suspension bridge
B. Cable-stayed bridge
C. Arch bridge
D. Simple beam bridge
Rationale: An arch transfers loads along its curved profile primarily
through compression. The arch supports generate horizontal thrust
that must be resisted by abutments, foundations, or structural ties.
The design must account for the arch geometry, material properties,
and loading conditions.
5. What is the main purpose of bridge bearings?
A. To eliminate all movement in the bridge
B. To transfer loads while accommodating designed movements and
rotations
C. To prevent concrete from curing too quickly
D. To support construction scaffolding permanently
, Rationale: Bearings transfer forces between the superstructure and
substructure while permitting movements and rotations specified by
the design. Thermal expansion, contraction, creep, shrinkage, and
live-load effects can produce movement that must be accommodated
without damaging the structure.
6. Which bridge type commonly uses triangular arrangements of
members to distribute forces efficiently?
A. Slab-only bridge
B. Truss bridge
C. Floating bridge
D. Cantilever retaining wall
Rationale: A truss consists of interconnected members arranged in
triangular configurations. The geometry provides structural stability
and allows loads to be carried primarily through axial tension and
compression in the members. Trusses require properly designed
connections and bracing.
7. What is the principal purpose of a bridge expansion joint?
A. To increase the dead load of the bridge
B. To prevent all deck deflection
