Site Work and Excavation Flashcards
7 cards from real General Contractor License practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Site Work and Excavation flashcards as text
What is the minimum required distance from the edge of an excavation that spoil piles must be placed to prevent cave-ins?
Answer: 2 feet
OSHA requires spoil piles to be placed at least 2 feet from the edge of an excavation to reduce surcharge loads that could cause collapse.
Which soil classification is considered the most stable for excavation purposes under OSHA standards?
Answer: Type A
Type A soil is the most stable classification, having an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tons per square foot or greater.
When performing dewatering operations during excavation, where should the discharge water be directed?
Answer: To a storm drain or approved discharge point away from the site
Discharge water must be directed away from the excavation to an approved point to prevent saturation of the surrounding soil and potential cave-ins.
What must a contractor do before beginning any excavation work in an area with unknown underground utilities?
Answer: Call 811 (Dig Safe) to have utilities located and marked
Federal law requires calling 811 before digging to have underground utilities located and marked, preventing damage and injuries.
A sloped excavation in Type B soil must not exceed a slope ratio of:
Answer: 1H:1V
OSHA requires a maximum slope of 1H:1V (45 degrees) for Type B soils to provide adequate stability.
Which equipment is most appropriate for cutting through rock during excavation when blasting is not permitted?
Answer: Hydraulic hammer (hoe-ram) attachment
A hydraulic hammer or hoe-ram attachment breaks rock mechanically and is used when explosives are not permitted or practical.
What is the purpose of a 'shoring' system in an excavation?
Answer: To support trench walls and prevent cave-ins
Shoring systems use structural members such as hydraulic shores or timber bracing to support trench walls and prevent collapse.