CCI Inspection Techniques & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a visual inspection of freshly placed concrete, which defect indicates inadequate consolidation?
- Surface crazing
- Honeycombing (Correct answer)
- Plastic shrinkage cracks
- Efflorescence
Correct answer: Honeycombing
Honeycombing—voids or rock pockets—indicates that concrete was not properly consolidated during placement.
Question 2: A construction inspector discovers that rebar cover in a concrete beam is 1.5 inches instead of the specified 2 inches. The FIRST action should be to:
- Approve the work and note the deviation
- Immediately order removal of all concrete
- Notify the engineer of record and document the nonconformance (Correct answer)
- Increase cover on the next pour to compensate
Correct answer: Notify the engineer of record and document the nonconformance
Inspectors must document nonconformances and notify the engineer of record, who determines the appropriate corrective action.
Question 3: What instrument is used to verify the in-place density of compacted asphalt pavement without extracting a core?
- Proctor hammer
- Nuclear density gauge (Correct answer)
- Schmidt hammer
- Vicat needle
Correct answer: Nuclear density gauge
A nuclear density gauge measures moisture and density of compacted materials non-destructively in the field.
Question 4: During a pre-construction meeting, the inspector's primary goal is to:
- Negotiate contract price changes
- Establish communication channels and review project requirements (Correct answer)
- Select subcontractors for approval
- Approve the contractor's schedule of values
Correct answer: Establish communication channels and review project requirements
Pre-construction meetings establish communication protocols, clarify roles, and review project plans and specifications before work begins.
Question 5: Which welding inspection method uses magnetic particles to detect surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials?
- Ultrasonic testing (UT)
- Radiographic testing (RT)
- Magnetic particle testing (MT) (Correct answer)
- Liquid penetrant testing (PT)
Correct answer: Magnetic particle testing (MT)
Magnetic particle testing (MT) is effective for detecting surface and slightly subsurface defects in ferromagnetic steel welds.
Question 6: An inspector observes concrete being placed when the air temperature is 38°F and falling. The MOST critical concern is:
- Excessive slump causing segregation
- Freezing of mix water before adequate strength gain (Correct answer)
- Accelerated set time reducing workability
- Increased water-cement ratio from rain
Correct answer: Freezing of mix water before adequate strength gain
Cold weather concreting risks freezing of water in the mix before the concrete gains sufficient strength to resist ice crystal damage.
Question 7: The primary purpose of a field inspection log (daily report) is to:
- Replace the official contract documents
- Provide a legal record of work performed, conditions, and observations (Correct answer)
- Authorize payment to the contractor
- Substitute for material test reports
Correct answer: Provide a legal record of work performed, conditions, and observations
Daily inspection reports serve as the official contemporaneous record of field conditions, activities, and inspector observations.
CCI Inspection Techniques & Procedures 2
When performing a visual inspection of freshly placed concrete, which defect indicates inadequate consolidation?