CSLB Class A — General Engineering (Trade Exam) — All Questions

On Caltrans clearing work, which tree branches over the roadway must be cut?

• a.Dead branches, since healthy ones may stay over the road
• b.Those hanging within 20 feet of finished grade✓
• c.Branches the engineer points out while walking the work
• d.Those within 2 feet of finished grade on the roadway side

The specification says to cut tree branches that extend over the roadway and hang within 20 feet of finished grade. Not "Dead branches, since healthy ones may stay over the road": the specification requires cutting low-hanging branches. Not "Those within 2 feet of finished grade on the roadway side": the stated clearance is far greater. Not "Branches the engineer points out while walking the work": the specification states the rule directly.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 17-2.03B

Where an embankment is to receive driven piles, what is the largest rock or broken concrete allowed in the fill within the pile area?

• a.12 inches
• b.No limit if the pieces are buried
• c.8 inches
• d.4 inches or less in size✓

Where piles will be driven, the embankment material may not contain rocks or broken concrete larger than 4 inches. Not "12 inches": large pieces can deflect or damage the piles. Not "8 inches": 8 inches is the clod and layer size, not the pile-area limit. Not "No limit if the pieces are buried": buried rock would still obstruct driving.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 19-6.02A

A fill's grading plane is 3 feet above original ground. In which case must stumps be removed completely rather than cut off?

• a.Where survey stakes are set along the line
• b.Where aggregate base will be placed on top of it
• c.Where pile construction is part of the work✓
• d.Where the slope will be seeded afterward

Stumps are removed completely where the work includes structure construction, pile construction, subdrainage trench excavation, removal of unsuitable material, or cutting into slopes. Not "Where aggregate base will be placed on top of it": base placement is not listed. Not "Where the slope will be seeded afterward": seeding is not listed. Not "Where survey stakes are set along the line": staking is not listed.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 17-2.03C

A fill 5 feet thick is built in layers with a loose thickness of 8 inches each. At least how many layers are needed?

• a.7 layers
• b.8 layers✓
• c.15 layers
• d.5 layers

5 feet is 60 inches, and 60 divided by 8 is 7.5, which rounds up to 8 layers. Not "5 layers": treats the feet as layers. Not "7 layers": rounds 7.5 down, leaving the top short. Not "15 layers": assumes 4-inch layers.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 19-6.03C

What must Caltrans work do before the new embankment is placed on an existing roadbed?

• a.Leave it as a smooth compacted plane as it stands
• b.Scarify, water, grade and roll the existing roadbed✓
• c.Cover it with a geogrid before the fill goes on
• d.Seal it with asphalt emulsion before placing the fill

The specifications direct the contractor to scarify, water, grade and roll the existing roadbed before placing new embankment on it. Not "Seal it with asphalt emulsion before placing the fill": a sealed smooth surface prevents bonding. Not "Leave it as a smooth compacted plane as it stands": a smooth plane leaves a weak contact. Not "Cover it with a geogrid before the fill goes on": geosynthetics are used only where the plans show them.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 19-6.03A

Which action does Caltrans prohibit when building embankment in winter?

• a.Compacting it to the specified density
• b.Placing it in layers
• c.Watering it to reach optimum moisture
• d.Placing it when the material is frozen solid✓

Embankment is not built when the material is frozen or snow prevents proper compaction. Not "Placing it in layers": layering is required, not prohibited. Not "Compacting it to the specified density": density is the goal. Not "Watering it to reach optimum moisture": adjusting moisture is allowed.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 19-6.03C

How far outside excavation and embankment slope lines (where slopes are not rounded) does Caltrans require the job site to be cleared and grubbed?

• a.2 feet, as for small ditches
• b.5 feet✓
• c.0 feet, at the slope lines
• d.50 feet

The job site is cleared and grubbed to 5 feet outside excavation and embankment slope lines where slopes are not rounded. Not "50 feet": far wider than the stated width. Not "0 feet, at the slope lines": the width extends outside the slope lines. Not "2 feet, as for small ditches": that figure applies to ditches with a bottom width under 12 feet.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 17-2.03A

A sample has exactly 50 percent by weight finer than the No. 200 sieve. How does FHWA designate it?

• a.Coarse-grained
• b.Peat
• c.Organic sand
• d.Fine-grained✓

Soil with 50 percent or more by weight finer than the No. 200 sieve is fine-grained. Not "Coarse-grained": coarse-grained needs more than 50 percent of the particles larger than the sieve. Not "Peat": peat depends on organic content over 50 percent. Not "Organic sand": organic soil depends on organic matter and odor, not on sieve results.FHWA NHI-06-088

A fine soil is dried below its shrinkage limit. What happens to its volume with further drying?

• a.It becomes a liquid
• b.It swells sharply
• c.It shrinks by half over the next few days
• d.No significant change in volume occurs✓

Below the shrinkage limit, no significant change in volume occurs with additional drying. Not "It swells sharply": drying does not make it swell. Not "It shrinks by half over the next few days": shrinking stops at the shrinkage limit. Not "It becomes a liquid": that is wetting, past the liquid limit.FHWA NHI-06-088

In a Standard Penetration Test, what is the first 6-inch increment of driving considered?

• a.A seating penetration, not counted in N✓
• b.The N-value by itself, with no other increments added in
• c.The refusal depth of the sampler in dense soil
• d.The liquid limit of the soil that was sampled

The first recorded increment is considered a seating penetration; the second and third increments give the N-value. Not "The N-value by itself, with no other increments added in": N is the blows for the second and third increments. Not "The liquid limit of the soil that was sampled": that is an Atterberg limit, not a driving record. Not "The refusal depth of the sampler in dense soil": refusal is a separate condition.FHWA NHI-06-088

What is the unconfined compressive strength range of Cal/OSHA Type B cohesive soil?

• a.More than 0.5 tsf but less than 1.5 tsf✓
• b.1.5 tsf or more, for the stiffest clays and hardpan
• c.0.5 tsf or less, for soft and very wet cohesive soil
• d.Over 4.0 tsf, as for hard rock that holds a vertical face

Type B cohesive soil is above 0.5 and below 1.5 tsf. Not "1.5 tsf or more, for the stiffest clays and hardpan": that range is for Type A, subject to the disqualifiers. Not "0.5 tsf or less, for soft and very wet cohesive soil": that range is Type C. Not "Over 4.0 tsf, as for hard rock that holds a vertical face": no Type B range reaches that value.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541.1 App. A

Which soil is Type C under Cal/OSHA's classification?

• a.Submerged soil or soil with water freely seeping from it✓
• b.Dry rock that is stable and holds a vertical face when cut
• c.Unfissured cohesive soil that is over 1.5 tsf in strength
• d.Cohesive soil between 0.5 and 1.5 tsf in unconfined strength

Type C includes cohesive soil of 0.5 tsf or less, gravel, sand and loamy sand, and submerged or freely seeping soil. Not "Unfissured cohesive soil that is over 1.5 tsf in strength": that strength is Type A, absent disqualifiers. Not "Dry rock that is stable and holds a vertical face when cut": stable rock has its own category. Not "Cohesive soil between 0.5 and 1.5 tsf in unconfined strength": that strength is Type B.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541.1 App. A

Which condition keeps otherwise strong cohesive soil from being classified Type A?

• a.The soil is brown or tan in color when it is dug
• b.The soil is dry on the surface of the trench wall
• c.The soil is fissured or subject to vibration✓
• d.The trench is under 10 feet deep at the point of entry

No soil is Type A if it is fissured, subject to vibration from heavy traffic or pile driving, or previously disturbed. Not "The soil is dry on the surface of the trench wall": a dry surface does not disqualify Type A. Not "The soil is brown or tan in color when it is dug": color is not a factor. Not "The trench is under 10 feet deep at the point of entry": depth is not a Type A disqualifier.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541.1 App. A

A competent person classified a trench wall as Type B at 7 a.m. After a heavy rain at noon, seepage appears. What must happen?

• a.The changed conditions are evaluated and the soil is reclassified✓
• b.The morning classification stands for the whole day
• c.The trench is classified Type A because the wall has become wet and sticky
• d.Work stops permanently on the project, because the soil has failed

If properties or conditions change after classification, the changes are evaluated and the deposit reclassified. Not "The morning classification stands for the whole day": the rule requires reevaluation when conditions change. Not "The trench is classified Type A because the wall has become wet and sticky": wet soil is less stable, not more. Not "Work stops permanently on the project, because the soil has failed": nothing so extreme is required.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541.1 App. A

Which statement about Cal/OSHA's soil classification is correct?

• a.It is made once by the geotechnical engineer for the whole job
• b.It may be made by estimate from a distance
• c.It follows the USCS group symbol exactly
• d.It must rest on at least one visual and one manual analysis✓

Appendix A requires classification by a competent person based on at least one visual and one manual analysis. Not "It may be made by estimate from a distance": visual analysis alone is not enough. Not "It is made once by the geotechnical engineer for the whole job": the competent person classifies the deposits on site. Not "It follows the USCS group symbol exactly": Cal/OSHA's types are a separate system.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541.1 App. A

Which test is named among the field methods to estimate unconfined compressive strength in Cal/OSHA's soil classification appendix?

• a.Proctor hammer drops on a sample
• b.Thumb penetration✓
• c.Sieve shake test of the fines
• d.Slump cone

Appendix A says strength can be estimated in the field using a pocket penetrometer, by thumb penetration tests and other methods. Not "Slump cone": a slump cone tests concrete. Not "Proctor hammer drops on a sample": a Proctor test is a laboratory compaction test. Not "Sieve shake test of the fines": sieving measures grain size, not strength.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541.1 App. A

On a compaction curve, what does the peak represent?

• a.The liquid limit, where the soil begins to flow
• b.The maximum dry density, at the optimum moisture content✓
• c.The wet density at the shrinkage limit
• d.The minimum density the soil can reach after compaction

The peak of dry unit weight against moisture is the maximum dry density and its moisture is the optimum. Not "The wet density at the shrinkage limit": the curve plots dry density against moisture. Not "The minimum density the soil can reach after compaction": the peak is the highest, not the lowest. Not "The liquid limit, where the soil begins to flow": the liquid limit is an Atterberg limit, not a compaction point.FHWA NHI-06-088

Compared with the Standard Proctor test, how much more energy does the Modified Proctor test apply?

• a.About 10 times
• b.About the same
• c.About half
• d.About 4.5 times✓

FHWA states the Modified Proctor energy is 4.5 times the Standard Proctor energy. Not "About the same": the energy levels differ. Not "About half": the modified test has higher energy. Not "About 10 times": this exceeds the stated ratio.FHWA NHI-06-088 Table 5-13

What does the dry unit weight of a soil measure, according to FHWA?

• a.The temperature of the soil when compacted
• b.The amount of water in a unit volume of soil
• c.The amount of solid materials in a unit volume of soil✓
• d.The size of the largest stone

The dry unit weight is a measure of the amount of solid materials present in a unit volume of soil. Not "The amount of water in a unit volume of soil": that describes moisture content. Not "The temperature of the soil when compacted": temperature is not what it measures. Not "The size of the largest stone": stone size is a gradation property.FHWA NHI-06-088

A clay with desiccation cracks at the surface suggests what concern?

• a.Too little organic content
• b.Expansion and shrinkage with wet and dry cycles✓
• c.Liquefaction in a dry season
• d.Excess coarse gravel mixed into the clay layer near the surface

FHWA notes surface desiccation cracks and fissures in a clay deposit indicate expansion potential. Not "Liquefaction in a dry season": liquefaction needs saturated, loose granular soil. Not "Too little organic content": cracking does not point to organic content. Not "Excess coarse gravel mixed into the clay layer near the surface": cracks form in clay, not gravel.FHWA NHI-06-088

Which clay mineral is described as having almost no swell?

• a.Silica
• b.Kaolinite✓
• c.Smectite
• d.Montmorillonite

FHWA says kaolinite exhibits almost no swell, illite no to moderate, and montmorillonite a high degree. Not "Montmorillonite": it has a high degree of swell potential. Not "Smectite": it is another name for the high-swell montmorillonite group. Not "Silica": silica is not a clay mineral.FHWA NHI-06-088

Caltrans accepts compaction of aggregate base by which test method?

• a.California Test 231✓
• b.California Test 202
• c.California Test 216
• d.A slump cone test

Aggregate base compaction is tested under California Test 231; California Test 216 gives optimum moisture and California Test 202 gradation. Not "California Test 216": that test determines optimum moisture content. Not "California Test 202": that test is used for aggregate gradation. Not "A slump cone test": slump is a concrete test.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 26-1.01D(3)

A trench 6 feet deep has a ladder at one end only. A worker is at a spot 40 feet from it along the trench. What does Cal/OSHA's egress rule say?

• a.It is not met, because ladders must be spaced 100 feet apart on a trench
• b.It is met, because 6 feet is under the 10-foot depth that triggers the rule
• c.It is not met, because more than 25 feet of lateral travel is required✓
• d.It is met, because trenches over 4 feet need one ladder at the end of the run

Trenches 4 feet or deeper need a safe means of egress located so employees travel no more than 25 feet laterally. Not "It is met, because trenches over 4 feet need one ladder at the end of the run": one ladder does not satisfy a travel-distance limit. Not "It is met, because 6 feet is under the 10-foot depth that triggers the rule": egress starts at 4 feet in depth. Not "It is not met, because ladders must be spaced 100 feet apart on a trench": no such spacing is stated; the limit is travel distance.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541(c)(2)

Excavated spoil is stacked at the edge of a 6-foot trench. Without retaining devices, how close to the edge may the spoil and equipment be kept?

• a.At least 2 feet back from the edge✓
• b.Anywhere on the site if the soil is Type A
• c.At the edge, if the pile is under 3 feet
• d.At least 10 feet back from the edge

Materials and equipment must be kept at least 2 feet from the edge, or retaining devices must be used. Not "At the edge, if the pile is under 3 feet": height does not remove the setback rule. Not "At least 10 feet back from the edge": the stated distance is smaller. Not "Anywhere on the site if the soil is Type A": soil type does not change the setback.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541(j)(2)

Among Types A, B and C, which soil allows the steepest maximum slope for an excavation under 20 feet deep?

• a.Type C, at 1 1/2:1
• b.Type B, at 1:1
• c.Type A, at 3/4:1✓
• d.The three share the same slope

Appendix B gives 3/4:1 for Type A, 1:1 for Type B and 1 1/2:1 for Type C, written horizontal to vertical, so Type A is steepest. Not "Type B, at 1:1": 1:1 is flatter than 3/4:1. Not "Type C, at 1 1/2:1": 1 1/2:1 is the flattest of the three. Not "The three share the same slope": each type has its own maximum slope.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 1541.1 App. B

A sediment filter bag has no metal frame and is deeper than 18 inches. What must it include under the Caltrans specification?

• a.A second bag nested inside it to act as a liner against sediment
• b.Lifting loops, dump straps and a restraint cord✓
• c.A buried steel anchor cage
• d.A solid liner that blocks flow

Such a bag must include lifting loops, dump straps and a restraint cord to keep the sides of the bag away from the catch basin walls. Not "A second bag nested inside it to act as a liner against sediment": nesting a second bag is not what the specification calls for. Not "A solid liner that blocks flow": each bag must have a high-flow bypass, so a solid liner defeats it. Not "A buried steel anchor cage": no buried cage is required.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-6.02C

A truck leaves soil on the paved street at a job entrance. Within what time must Caltrans work remove tracked material?

• a.Before the next rain
• b.6 hours✓
• c.1 week
• d.24 hours

Material tracked onto the surfacing must be removed within 6 hours. Not "24 hours": this is longer than the stated limit. Not "1 week": a week lets the material reach storm drains. Not "Before the next rain": the specification gives a fixed time limit.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-7.01

When must sediment be removed from a sediment filter bag on Caltrans work?

• a.When it rains hard enough that the bag fills with water
• b.Not during the job, since the bag filters the sediment and holds it for good
• c.When the bag is full or the restraint cords are no longer visible✓
• d.At the end of the project, during the final site cleanup

Sediment is removed from a filter bag if it becomes full or if the restraint cords are no longer visible. Not "At the end of the project, during the final site cleanup": sediment is removed during the work. Not "Not during the job, since the bag filters the sediment and holds it for good": the bag is maintained. Not "When it rains hard enough that the bag fills with water": the trigger is the bag's fill state.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-6.03A

How far ahead must the engineer be notified before dewatering activity discharges on Caltrans work?

• a.No notice if the water looks clear
• b.At least 5 minutes
• c.At least 32 hours✓
• d.At least 10 days before the discharge

The contractor notifies the engineer at least 32 hours in advance of dewatering activity discharges. Not "At least 5 minutes": far too short for the engineer to respond. Not "At least 10 days before the discharge": this exceeds the stated notice. Not "No notice if the water looks clear": the specification requires notice regardless of appearance.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-2.03

A temporary check dam and an erosion control blanket are to go in the same ditch. Which is installed first?

• a.The blanket✓
• b.The check dam
• c.Neither, since they cannot share a ditch
• d.Whichever the crew has on site

If a check dam is placed in the same area as a blanket, the blanket is installed before the dam. Not "The check dam": the dam goes in after the blanket. Not "Whichever the crew has on site": the specification sets an order. Not "Neither, since they cannot share a ditch": the specification covers placing both in the same area.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-6.03B

How are fiber roll stakes driven for a Type 1 temporary check dam on Caltrans work?

• a.Above the roll so the rope can slide off the top of the stake
• b.Until the stake top is flush with the ground surface
• c.Until the notch is even with the top of the roll✓
• d.Two inches into the soil, so the roll can be moved easily

Notched stakes are driven until the notch is even with the top of the fiber roll. Not "Until the stake top is flush with the ground surface": the notch, not the stake top, sets the depth. Not "Two inches into the soil, so the roll can be moved easily": this would not hold the roll against flow. Not "Above the roll so the rope can slide off the top of the stake": rope laced over the roll is held by the notch.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-6.03B

Which discharge-related event requires Caltrans work to notify the engineer within 6 hours?

• a.Identifying a discharge that is causing or could cause water pollution✓
• b.A holiday shutdown of the job that lasts for two or more days
• c.A delivery of fiber rolls to the job site for the next phase
• d.A change of crew foremen on the day shift or the night shift

The contractor notifies the engineer within 6 hours when it identifies discharges that are causing or could cause water pollution. Not "A delivery of fiber rolls to the job site for the next phase": a delivery is not a discharge. Not "A change of crew foremen on the day shift or the night shift": personnel changes carry no such notice. Not "A holiday shutdown of the job that lasts for two or more days": a shutdown is not a discharge event.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-2.03

Which systems may be used as a temporary concrete washout on Caltrans work?

• a.A pit dug beside a creek bank or ditch
• b.A storm drain inlet, if flushed with water
• c.A pile of sand and straw bales at the curb
• d.A washout facility, a portable washout or a washout bin✓

The specifications list a temporary concrete washout facility, a portable temporary washout or a temporary washout bin. Not "A storm drain inlet, if flushed with water": washout water may not be sent to a drain. Not "A pit dug beside a creek bank or ditch": a pit by a watercourse risks discharge. Not "A pile of sand and straw bales at the curb": sand does not contain washout water.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-9.01A

On Caltrans work, how must active soil stockpiles be protected before a forecasted storm?

• a.Pushed into the nearest ditch to carry the runoff off the site along the road
• b.Left bare to let water drain through the pile and avoid ponding at the toe
• c.Watered to keep the surface wet and prevent dust from blowing away from the pile
• d.Covered with stabilization material or a temporary cover and ringed with a linear sediment barrier✓

The specifications cover active and inactive soil stockpiles and surround them with a linear sediment barrier. Not "Left bare to let water drain through the pile and avoid ponding at the toe": bare stockpiles erode in rain. Not "Pushed into the nearest ditch to carry the runoff off the site along the road": that sends the soil into drainage. Not "Watered to keep the surface wet and prevent dust from blowing away from the pile": water on a stockpile adds runoff and does not stabilize it.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 13-4.03C(3)

Which operation 30 inches or larger is excepted from the Tunnel Safety Orders?

• a.A bore shorter than 60 feet in length, such as a service stub
• b.A bore in rock, where no one can enter the casing or the pit
• c.A bore under a public road or highway right of way
• d.A utility natural gas pipeline bore where no one bodily enters the bore✓

The orders do not apply to utility natural gas pipelines under PUC or federal pipeline safety jurisdiction where a person does not bodily enter the bore. Not "A bore under a public road or highway right of way": road location does not create an exception. Not "A bore shorter than 60 feet in length, such as a service stub": length is not an exception. Not "A bore in rock, where no one can enter the casing or the pit": soil or rock type is not an exception.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 8403(a)(2)

A vertical shaft is planned 25 feet deep and employees may enter it. Which rules govern it?

• a.The Tunnel Safety Orders, from the shaft's inception✓
• b.The scaffold orders for elevated work, since a shaft is a deep structure
• c.Article 6, the excavation rules for trenches under 20 feet
• d.No Cal/OSHA rules apply to shafts that are dug by the owner

All shaft excavations intended to exceed 20 feet in depth where employees may enter are covered, and a shaft is a shaft from its inception. Not "Article 6, the excavation rules for trenches under 20 feet": shafts intended to exceed 20 feet are under the tunnel orders. Not "No Cal/OSHA rules apply to shafts that are dug by the owner": the tunnel orders name shafts expressly. Not "The scaffold orders for elevated work, since a shaft is a deep structure": shafts are not scaffolds.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 8403(a)(4)

Which tunnel classification applies where there is little likelihood of encountering gas?

• a.Potentially gassy
• b.Gassy
• c.Extrahazardous
• d.Nongassy✓

Nongassy is applied to tunnels with little likelihood of encountering gas during construction. Not "Gassy": gassy applies where gas is likely or above 5 percent of the LEL. Not "Extrahazardous": that applies at 20 percent of the LEL or after gas ignition. Not "Potentially gassy": that applies where there is a possibility of flammable gas.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 8422(b)

At what reading is a tunnel considered extrahazardous based on flammable gas measured at least 12 inches from any surface?

• a.1 percent of the LEL
• b.5 percent of the LEL
• c.100 percent of oxygen
• d.20 percent of the LEL✓

A concentration of 20 percent of the LEL of flammable gas at least 12 inches from any surface is an extrahazardous trigger. Not "5 percent of the LEL": that is the gassy trigger. Not "1 percent of the LEL": below the gassy trigger. Not "100 percent of oxygen": oxygen concentration is not the trigger.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 8422(b)(4)

The tunnel's gas classification has been set. What must be done with the notice of it?

• a.Post it prominently at the job site and inform all personnel✓
• b.Post it after the first gas reading is taken inside the tunnel
• c.File it with the owner and keep it off the site until the job ends
• d.Give it to the foreman, with no posting for the other crews

The notice of classification and special conditions must be prominently posted at the tunnel job site and all personnel informed. Not "File it with the owner and keep it off the site until the job ends": the rule requires posting at the site. Not "Give it to the foreman, with no posting for the other crews": all personnel must be informed. Not "Post it after the first gas reading is taken inside the tunnel": the classification applies from the start of underground work.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 8422(c)

During jack and drill work, what may be done to locate or remove obstructions in the pavement, if authorized?

• a.Small holes may be cut in the pavement✓
• b.The whole lane may be removed without approval
• c.Holes may be cut wherever the crew likes, without notice
• d.Nothing, because pavement may not be cut or drilled

If authorized, small holes may be cut in the pavement to locate or remove obstructions. Not "The whole lane may be removed without approval": the specification allows small holes if authorized. Not "Nothing, because pavement may not be cut or drilled": small holes may be cut if authorized. Not "Holes may be cut wherever the crew likes, without notice": the cutting requires authorization.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.07C(2)(c)

How far ahead must the engineer be notified before jack and drill activities start on Caltrans work?

• a.At least 2 business days before starting✓
• b.No notice is required
• c.Notice on the day after drilling starts
• d.At least 30 calendar days

The contractor notifies the engineer at least 2 business days before starting jack and drill activities. Not "At least 30 calendar days": far longer than the stated notice. Not "No notice is required": the specification sets a notice period. Not "Notice on the day after drilling starts": notice comes before the activity starts.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.07C(2)(c)

A bore pit crew notices the drilling fluid is softening the road subgrade. What does the Caltrans specification say about water?

• a.Add cement to the drilling fluid so the soft subgrade stiffens up
• b.Use more water to lubricate the bore and keep the tool cool
• c.Do not use excessive water that will soften the subgrade or undermine the pavement✓
• d.Water is not regulated in bores under the specification

The specification says not to use excessive water that will soften the subgrade or undermine the pavement. Not "Use more water to lubricate the bore and keep the tool cool": excess water is what damages the subgrade. Not "Water is not regulated in bores under the specification": the specification limits water near pavement. Not "Add cement to the drilling fluid so the soft subgrade stiffens up": no such step is called for.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.07C(2)(c)

A new supply line carries raw water to be treated for drinking. What separation from a water main applies?

• a.It may share the main's trench with spacers between the pipes
• b.At least 4 feet horizontally and 1 foot below the water main✓
• c.At least 10 feet horizontally and 1 foot above
• d.No separation is required

New supply lines conveying raw water are installed at least 4 feet horizontally from, and one foot below, any water main. Not "At least 10 feet horizontally and 1 foot above": that is the sewage-line rule for a new water main. Not "It may share the main's trench with spacers between the pipes": a shared trench is not allowed for these lines. Not "No separation is required": a separation is stated.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22, 64572(c)

From which part of each pipe are the minimum water main separation distances measured?

• a.The trench centerlines of the two pipe trenches
• b.The nearest outside edge of each pipe barrel✓
• c.The pipe joints nearest to each other along the run
• d.The pipe centerlines of the two pipes in the trench

The minimum separation distances are measured from the nearest outside edge of each pipe barrel. Not "The pipe centerlines of the two pipes in the trench": the rule measures edge to edge. Not "The pipe joints nearest to each other along the run": joints are not the reference points. Not "The trench centerlines of the two pipe trenches": trenches are not the reference points.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22, 64572(g)

How far must a new water main be from the nearest edge of a sanitary landfill?

• a.100 horizontal feet✓
• b.25 horizontal feet
• c.10 horizontal feet
• d.500 horizontal feet

The rule bars mains within 100 horizontal feet of a sanitary landfill, wastewater pond or hazardous waste disposal site. Not "25 horizontal feet": that distance applies to septic tanks and leach fields. Not "10 horizontal feet": that is the sewage-line separation. Not "500 horizontal feet": this exceeds the stated setback.Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22, 64572(f)

What does Caltrans require of trench beds for culverts?

• a.Bearing the pipe on its bells, with the barrel left clear of the bed
• b.A single rock under the middle of the barrel to hold the pipe grade
• c.Shaping them to fit the bottom and give uniform support along the whole length✓
• d.Leaving the trench floor rough so the pipe grips the soil

Trench beds are shaped to fit the culvert's bottom and provide uniform support along its entire length. Not "Leaving the trench floor rough so the pipe grips the soil": uneven support concentrates loads at points. Not "Bearing the pipe on its bells, with the barrel left clear of the bed": the barrel must bear, not the bells. Not "A single rock under the middle of the barrel to hold the pipe grade": point support cracks pipe.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 19-3.03H

How must the spigot be seated in a gasketed plastic pipe joint under Caltrans work?

• a.Inserted until the pipe end touches the back of the gasket
• b.Inserted until the factory insertion line meets the bell edge✓
• c.Pushed until the pipe will not move by hand further
• d.Left half-inserted so the joint can flex when the soil settles

The spigot end goes into the bell until the factory-provided insertion line lines up with the bell edge. Not "Pushed until the pipe will not move by hand further": over-insertion can damage the bell. Not "Left half-inserted so the joint can flex when the soil settles": a partly inserted joint can leak. Not "Inserted until the pipe end touches the back of the gasket": the stop is the insertion line, not the gasket.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 64-2.03C

In Caltrans Method A pressure testing of an irrigation supply line, what pressure is used?

• a.Whatever the pump can deliver
• b.125 psi✓
• c.300 psi
• d.12.5 psi

The pipeline is placed under 125 psi for Method A. Not "12.5 psi": a tenth of the specified pressure. Not "300 psi": the working pressure rating of valves, not the test. Not "Whatever the pump can deliver": the test uses a specified pressure.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.01A(4)(b)(ii)

During Method A testing, how long must the pressure gauge remain in place?

• a.It may be removed once the first period passes
• b.Until the pump is switched on again
• c.For the first 5 minutes of the test
• d.Until each test period is complete✓

The pressure gauge must remain in place until each test period is complete. Not "For the first 5 minutes of the test": the gauge stays through the whole test. Not "Until the pump is switched on again": the pressure source is removed for the test. Not "It may be removed once the first period passes": it stays until each test period ends.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.01A(4)(b)(ii)

What accuracy must the pressure gauge have for Method A testing?

• a.Within 20 psi of the true pressure at the gauge
• b.Within 2 percent of 1,000 psi at full scale
• c.Within 2 psi, calibrated from 0 to 200 psi✓
• d.No calibration is needed if the gauge is new

The gauge is calibrated from 0 to 200 psi in 5 psi increments and accurate within a tolerance of 2 psi. Not "Within 20 psi of the true pressure at the gauge": too loose to read a 5 psi drop. Not "Within 2 percent of 1,000 psi at full scale": this is not the stated range. Not "No calibration is needed if the gauge is new": the specification requires calibration.Caltrans Standard Specifications (2025) 20-2.01A(4)(b)(ii)