FDOT Earthwork Level 1 (2025)
Test Questions and Answers
A failed test is plotted on a graph how - ANSWER: X with a circle around it
A gauge must be how far from all vertical projections - ANSWER: 6 inches
A job guide schedule is - ANSWER: project specific
A summary of proctors sheet is for - ANSWER: different materials with lab proctors
(maximum density)
AASHTO T 99 refers to which proctor - ANSWER: Standard
After placing the gauge in the test hole be sure to do what with the gauge and rod -
ANSWER: Pull it gently to the side so the rod comes in contact with the hole
All of the QC report forms - ANSWER: same as the QC's but for VT's
All test data is recorded where - ANSWER: Earthwork density report
Always drive the drill rod to testing depth length and - ANSWER: another 2 more
inches
An Earthwork Density Report - ANSWER: is for density recordings
Backscatter geometry is - ANSWER: gamma photons reflected on to material and
required to have at least one reach the gauge.
Basics covered in Level 1 - ANSWER: Nuclear Testing
Speedy Moisture
Report Forms
Compaction causes - ANSWER: An increase in unit weight, decrease in
compressibility and permeability.
Compaction expels air and water causing - ANSWER: Increase in unit weight
and
Decrease in compressibility and permeability (ability of water to flow through)
, Comparison between VT and QC density test tolerance - ANSWER: 2 lbs/pcf
Density is the measuring of - ANSWER: the dry density of soil compared to max dry
density determined by proctor % compaction
Determine the dry density by - ANSWER: Taking the wet density / 1.(moisture) = dry
density
To the nearest 0.1pcf
Direct transmission is - ANSWER: a rod with Cesium-137 lowered to depth. The
photons pass through material to the gauge.
Dry density - ANSWER: weight of soil solids in a volume
During a standard count the gauge must be how far from any nuclear source -
ANSWER: 30ft
During a standard count the gauge must be how far from large objects - ANSWER:
10ft
Earthwork has to do with the roadway in what way? - ANSWER: Earthwork is the
excavation and placement of soils and materials supporting the proposed roadway.
FM 1 T-80 refers to which proctor - ANSWER: Modified
FM T-238 details - ANSWER: the designation number for the nuclear density test
For a 20g and a 26g how much reagent do you use - ANSWER: 20g - 2 scoops
26g - 3 scoops
For material description the minimum is always - ANSWER: Color and texture
For turning on the gauge how must it be handled - ANSWER: Warm up per
manufacturer's instructions
Gauge calibration must be performed by - ANSWER: qualified personnel
Graph plot and counting lifts - ANSWER: x axis is lifts, one box is a lift
y axis is station numbers and the boxes go by 5
How do you determine the day to day shift - ANSWER: Find the Average of the
previous 4 counts.
Find the difference between the avg and that days count.
Take the difference and divide it by the average.
Test Questions and Answers
A failed test is plotted on a graph how - ANSWER: X with a circle around it
A gauge must be how far from all vertical projections - ANSWER: 6 inches
A job guide schedule is - ANSWER: project specific
A summary of proctors sheet is for - ANSWER: different materials with lab proctors
(maximum density)
AASHTO T 99 refers to which proctor - ANSWER: Standard
After placing the gauge in the test hole be sure to do what with the gauge and rod -
ANSWER: Pull it gently to the side so the rod comes in contact with the hole
All of the QC report forms - ANSWER: same as the QC's but for VT's
All test data is recorded where - ANSWER: Earthwork density report
Always drive the drill rod to testing depth length and - ANSWER: another 2 more
inches
An Earthwork Density Report - ANSWER: is for density recordings
Backscatter geometry is - ANSWER: gamma photons reflected on to material and
required to have at least one reach the gauge.
Basics covered in Level 1 - ANSWER: Nuclear Testing
Speedy Moisture
Report Forms
Compaction causes - ANSWER: An increase in unit weight, decrease in
compressibility and permeability.
Compaction expels air and water causing - ANSWER: Increase in unit weight
and
Decrease in compressibility and permeability (ability of water to flow through)
, Comparison between VT and QC density test tolerance - ANSWER: 2 lbs/pcf
Density is the measuring of - ANSWER: the dry density of soil compared to max dry
density determined by proctor % compaction
Determine the dry density by - ANSWER: Taking the wet density / 1.(moisture) = dry
density
To the nearest 0.1pcf
Direct transmission is - ANSWER: a rod with Cesium-137 lowered to depth. The
photons pass through material to the gauge.
Dry density - ANSWER: weight of soil solids in a volume
During a standard count the gauge must be how far from any nuclear source -
ANSWER: 30ft
During a standard count the gauge must be how far from large objects - ANSWER:
10ft
Earthwork has to do with the roadway in what way? - ANSWER: Earthwork is the
excavation and placement of soils and materials supporting the proposed roadway.
FM 1 T-80 refers to which proctor - ANSWER: Modified
FM T-238 details - ANSWER: the designation number for the nuclear density test
For a 20g and a 26g how much reagent do you use - ANSWER: 20g - 2 scoops
26g - 3 scoops
For material description the minimum is always - ANSWER: Color and texture
For turning on the gauge how must it be handled - ANSWER: Warm up per
manufacturer's instructions
Gauge calibration must be performed by - ANSWER: qualified personnel
Graph plot and counting lifts - ANSWER: x axis is lifts, one box is a lift
y axis is station numbers and the boxes go by 5
How do you determine the day to day shift - ANSWER: Find the Average of the
previous 4 counts.
Find the difference between the avg and that days count.
Take the difference and divide it by the average.
