Chapter 5 of 811% of exam

Foundation and Concrete Construction

Foundation and Concrete Construction is about 11% of the exam: forms and falsework, placing and finishing concrete, and pilings and foundations. The PrepPass CSLB General Engineering (A) Study Guide covers this section in depth, with worked examples, named traps and a chapter quiz.

Forms and falsework

Formwork must withstand all loads; larger falsework is engineered and inspected before the pour.

Engineer required

Falsework over 14 feet high, with spans over 16 feet, or with traffic through it needs engineer-signed drawings.

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1717

Stripping

Forms stay until the concrete can support its weight and superimposed loads.

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1717

Placing and curing

Avoid segregation, consolidate promptly, and keep the concrete moist.

Free fall

No more than 8 feet without pipes, tubes or double belting.

Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, 51-1.03D

Water cure

Keep concrete continuously wet for at least 7 days.

Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, 90-1.03B

No retempering

Do not add water to partially hardened concrete.

Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, 51-1.03D

Piles

Driven piles meet both resistance and tip elevation; CIDH piles are placed by tremie without vibration.

Driven piles

Impact hammer, at least 1/8 inch per blow at nominal resistance; no vibratory hammers.

Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, 49-2.01C

CIDH

Tremie tubes at least 10 inches in diameter, kept in the concrete.

Caltrans Standard Specifications 2025, 49-3

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