ASCE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ASCE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What quality control measure is most important in safety standards? → Continuous quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle
2. Which nuclear density gauge mode is most appropriate for testing a thin asphalt overlay? → Backscatter
3. A specification requiring that a pavement achieve a minimum skid resistance and smoothness index, without dictating materials or methods, is a: → Performance specification
4. A written change to the bidding documents issued before bid opening is called a(n): → Addendum
5. Where snow and ice are common, AASHTO generally limits maximum superelevation to about what value? → 8%
6. What is the main factor influencing soil bearing capacity? → Soil type
7. For an infinite slope of dry cohesionless soil with friction angle φ inclined at angle β, the factor of safety is: → tan φ / tan β
8. Which of the following best describes specific energy in open channel flow? → Energy per unit weight measured with respect to the channel bottom as datum
9. Why is prestressed concrete used in structural engineering? → Increases load-bearing capacity and reduces cracking.
10. What professional responsibility applies when practicing material properties? → Holding paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public
11. What is the specified minimum yield strength of ASTM A992 structural steel wide-flange shapes? → 50 ksi
12. What is the purpose of astronomic azimuth determination in surveying? → To establish a true north reference for a survey without relying on magnetic north
13. Who must inspect an excavation daily and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing event? → A competent person
14. How should engineering changes to technical specifications be managed? → Through a formal change control process with documentation and approval
15. In which direction is clear wood strongest in tension and compression? → Parallel to the grain
16. Asphalt paving, curbs, and site fencing are specified in which MasterFormat division? → Division 32
17. Why is pedestrian infrastructure important in urban transportation planning? → Improves walkability and enhances safety.
18. The AASHTO equivalent single axle load (ESAL) is based on a standard single axle load of: → 18 kips
19. A 60-in rock core run recovers pieces of 6, 3, 8, 2, 5, and 12 in. What is the Rock Quality Designation (RQD)? → 52%
20. The activity of a clay soil is defined as which ratio? → Plasticity index divided by percent clay-size fraction finer than 2 µm
21. What is a common IBC live load deflection limit for floor members? → L/360
22. In the alpha (α) method for driven piles in clay, unit skin friction is calculated as: → fs = α × cu
23. Which geotechnical investigation method is commonly used to determine subsurface soil conditions? → Borehole drilling
24. At what height above a lower level must employees on a scaffold be protected from falls? → 10 feet
25. In activated sludge, the solids retention time (SRT) is defined as: → Mass of solids in the system divided by mass of solids wasted per day
26. A clay has a natural water content of 35%, liquid limit of 45%, and plastic limit of 25%. What is its liquidity index? → 0.50
27. Why are wetlands important in environmental engineering? → Filter pollutants and improve water quality.
28. What professional responsibility applies when practicing safety standards? → Holding paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public
29. Which analysis method is essential for safety standards? → Quantitative analysis using validated engineering methods and calculations
30. At any point on a beam, the slope of the bending moment diagram equals: → The shear force