General Contractor License Site Work and Excavation 3

Question 1

What does the term 'cut and fill' refer to in site grading operations?

Accepted Answer

Excavating high areas and using that material to fill low areas to achieve desired grade

Answer

Cut and fill balances earthwork by excavating (cutting) elevated areas and using that soil to raise (fill) lower areas, minimizing the need to import or export material.

Question 2

Which document specifies the required compaction percentage for engineered fill on a construction project?

Accepted Answer

Geotechnical (soils) report

Answer

The geotechnical or soils report prepared by a licensed engineer specifies required compaction percentages, typically expressed as a percentage of Modified Proctor density.

Question 3

During excavation, encountering unexpected soft or unstable soil (unsuitable material) at subgrade requires the contractor to:

Accepted Answer

Over-excavate and replace with engineered fill or structural aggregate

Answer

Unsuitable material must be removed and replaced with approved engineered fill or crushed stone to provide stable bearing capacity for foundations.

Question 4

What is 'underpinning' as it relates to excavation near existing structures?

Accepted Answer

Temporarily or permanently strengthening an existing foundation to support excavation next to it

Answer

Underpinning extends or strengthens an existing foundation so that nearby excavation does not undermine its bearing capacity or cause settlement.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of installing silt fencing around an excavation site?

Accepted Answer

To control sediment runoff and protect adjacent waterways from erosion

Answer

Silt fencing is an erosion and sediment control best management practice (BMP) required by stormwater permits to prevent disturbed soil from entering waterways.

General Contractor License Practice Test

General Contractor License Practice Test

General Contractor License Site Work and Excavation 3