First 50 of 199 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.
Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.
Question 1Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
According to standard practice, what is the nominal maximum size of aggregate defined as?
- One sieve size larger than the first sieve that retains more than 10 percent of the material Correct answer.
- The sieve opening through which at least 90 percent of the material passes
- The smallest sieve opening through which all of the aggregate passes
- The largest sieve on which any material is retained, exclusive of oversize
Explanation
The nominal maximum size is one sieve larger than the first sieve that retains more than 10 percent of the aggregate. This differs from maximum size, which is the smallest sieve through which the entire sample passes.
Question 2Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
In a sieve analysis, the term 'fineness modulus' of a fine aggregate is computed by:
- Dividing the total sample mass by the mass retained on the No. 4 sieve
- Averaging the percentages passing each sieve in the stack
- Multiplying the cumulative percent passing the No. 50 sieve by the sample mass
- Summing the cumulative percentages retained on a specified set of sieves and dividing by 100 Correct answer.
Explanation
The fineness modulus is the sum of the cumulative percentages retained on a standard series of sieves divided by 100. A larger value indicates a coarser fine aggregate.
Question 3Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A sample of coarse aggregate is oven-dried to constant mass. Which moisture state does this represent?
- Saturated surface-dry
- Air-dry
- Wet
- Oven-dry Correct answer.
Explanation
Oven-drying removes both surface moisture and the moisture absorbed within permeable pores, producing the oven-dry state. All moisture-related aggregate properties are referenced to this baseline condition.
Question 4Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
When testing coarse aggregate for bulk specific gravity (oven-dry basis), which mass is placed in the numerator?
- Mass of the saturated surface-dry sample
- Mass of the sample submerged in water
- Mass of the sample plus absorbed water
- Mass of the oven-dry sample Correct answer.
Explanation
Bulk specific gravity (oven-dry) is the oven-dry mass divided by the volume of the aggregate including its permeable pores. The oven-dry mass is the reference for this property.
Question 5Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Absorption of a coarse aggregate is calculated as the difference between the saturated surface-dry mass and the oven-dry mass, expressed as a percentage of which quantity?
- The submerged mass
- The saturated surface-dry mass
- The oven-dry mass Correct answer.
- The total sample mass before drying
Explanation
Absorption is the mass of water absorbed into the permeable pores expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry mass. This reflects the pore water relative to the dry solid.
Question 6Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which laboratory test is used to determine the resistance of coarse aggregate to degradation by abrasion and impact?
- Los Angeles abrasion test Correct answer.
- Sodium sulfate soundness test
- Sand equivalent test
- Micro-Deval test
Explanation
The Los Angeles abrasion test measures degradation from a combination of abrasion and impact in a rotating drum with steel spheres. It is a standard indicator of aggregate toughness and abrasion resistance.
Question 7Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
The sodium sulfate soundness test is performed primarily to evaluate which aggregate property?
- Resistance to polishing under traffic
- Resistance to freeze-thaw under load
- Resistance to alkali-silica reaction
- Resistance to disintegration from weathering cycles Correct answer.
Explanation
The soundness test uses repeated immersion in sodium or magnesium sulfate followed by oven-drying to simulate weathering. The resulting mass loss indicates the aggregate's resistance to disintegration from weathering.
Question 8Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
In the sand equivalent test, a higher sand equivalent value indicates which condition?
- A higher proportion of sand-size particles relative to clay-like fines Correct answer.
- A coarser sand with more gravel
- More clay-like fines relative to sand-size particles
- A greater total fines content
Explanation
The sand equivalent expresses the ratio of sand-size material to clay-like fines in the fine aggregate. Higher values mean cleaner aggregate with less detrimental clay content.
Question 9Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which test measures the relative proportions of flat and elongated particles in a coarse aggregate sample?
- Los Angeles abrasion method
- Sand equivalent method
- Sulfate soundness method
- Proportional caliper method Correct answer.
Explanation
Flat and elongated particles are determined by comparing particle dimensions using calipers or a proportional device, typically at a specified ratio such as 3:1 or 5:1. This assesses particle shape relative to a defined threshold.
Question 10Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
For a coarse aggregate sample, the bulk specific gravity (oven-dry) is 2.65 and the absorption is 1.2 percent. Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the bulk specific gravity (SSD) and the bulk specific gravity (oven-dry)?
- The SSD value cannot be compared without the apparent specific gravity
- The SSD value is lower than the oven-dry value
- The SSD value is higher than the oven-dry value Correct answer.
- The SSD value equals the oven-dry value
Explanation
The SSD mass includes water filling permeable pores, so it is larger than the oven-dry mass for the same volume. Dividing a larger mass by the same bulk volume yields a higher SSD specific gravity.
Question 11Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A fine aggregate sample has a fineness modulus of 2.30. How is this value best characterized?
- Finer than average fine aggregate Correct answer.
- Outside the typical range for concrete sand
- Equivalent to a coarse aggregate
- Coarser than average fine aggregate
Explanation
Typical concrete sand has a fineness modulus around 2.5 to 2.9, so a value of 2.30 indicates a finer-than-average material. Lower fineness modulus means more fine particles in the sample.
Question 12Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which aggregate characteristic most directly affects the water demand and workability of a concrete mixture?
- Sulfate soundness loss
- Particle shape and surface texture Correct answer.
- Bulk specific gravity
- Los Angeles abrasion loss
Explanation
Angular, rough-textured particles increase interparticle friction and require more paste and water for a given workability. Particle shape and texture therefore strongly influence water demand.
Question 13Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
When determining the moisture content of aggregate by drying, why must the sample be dried to constant mass?
- To ensure all free and absorbed moisture has been removed Correct answer.
- To increase the apparent specific gravity
- To allow the sample to cool before weighing
- To oxidize organic impurities in the sample
Explanation
Drying to constant mass ensures that no measurable moisture remains, giving a stable and reproducible dry mass. Without this, moisture content would be underestimated.
Question 14Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A sample of aggregate has a total mass of 500 g in the as-received condition and 480 g after oven-drying. What is the approximate total moisture content?
- 4.0 percent
- 2.0 percent
- 4.2 percent Correct answer.
- 20 percent
Explanation
Moisture content is the mass of water divided by the oven-dry mass, expressed as a percentage. Here, 20 g of water over 480 g dry mass gives about 4.17 percent, approximately 4.2 percent.
Question 15Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
The bulk density (unit weight) of coarse aggregate is determined by filling a measure of known volume and:
- Weighing the aggregate in water
- Determining the mass of aggregate required to fill the measure Correct answer.
- Measuring the time to drain water through the sample
- Compacting the sample under a fixed load
Explanation
Bulk density is the mass of aggregate that fills a container of known volume, expressed per unit volume. The procedure may specify rodded, jigged, or loose placement.
Question 16Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
In the Los Angeles abrasion test, the test result is reported as the percentage of the original sample mass that is:
- Retained on the 1/2-inch sieve
- Passing the No. 12 sieve Correct answer.
- Lost to dust during rotation
- Retained on the No. 12 sieve
Explanation
The Los Angeles abrasion loss is the percentage of material that breaks down and passes the No. 12 sieve after the specified number of drum revolutions. A lower percentage indicates greater abrasion resistance.
Question 17Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A coarse aggregate has a bulk SSD specific gravity of 2.68 and an absorption of 0.8 percent. A batch requires 1000 kg of aggregate in the SSD condition. How much oven-dry aggregate mass corresponds to this requirement?
- Approximately 920 kg
- Approximately 1080 kg
- Approximately 992 kg Correct answer.
- Approximately 1008 kg
Explanation
The SSD mass equals the oven-dry mass multiplied by (1 plus absorption). Solving for oven-dry mass: 1000 divided by 1.008 gives about 992 kg.
Question 18Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which sieve series is typically used when determining the fineness modulus of fine aggregate?
- A series from the 3-inch through the No. 4 sieves
- Only the No. 4 and No. 100 sieves
- Only the No. 200 sieve
- A standard series from the No. 4 through the No. 100 sieves Correct answer.
Explanation
The fineness modulus for fine aggregate uses cumulative percentages retained on a standard series of sieves from the No. 4 down through the No. 100. Summing these and dividing by 100 gives the index.
Question 19Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A fine aggregate has a sand equivalent value of 92. How should this result be interpreted?
- The material is too coarse for use in concrete
- The material has a high clay-like fines content and may be unsuitable
- The material has an unusually high absorption
- The material is relatively clean with a low proportion of clay-like fines Correct answer.
Explanation
A high sand equivalent value indicates that sand-size particles greatly outnumber clay-like fines, meaning the aggregate is relatively clean. Lower values signal higher detrimental fines content.
Question 20Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
When sampling aggregate for laboratory testing, which practice best ensures a representative sample?
- Collecting material only from the surface of the stockpile
- Collecting a single grab sample from one location
- Selecting the largest particles visible in the pile
- Using a sampling device that collects increments from multiple locations and depths Correct answer.
Explanation
Representative sampling requires multiple increments taken from various locations and depths, then reduced by quartering or a splitter. Surface-only or single-location samples are biased.
Question 21Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A sample is reduced for testing using a sample splitter. Why is this method preferred over hand-quartering for some materials?
- It produces more uniform, representative splits of the material Correct answer.
- It increases the apparent specific gravity
- It removes all flat and elongated particles
- It eliminates the need for oven-drying
Explanation
A mechanical splitter divides the sample into portions that more closely match the original gradation, reducing bias. Hand methods can introduce operator error and segregation.
Question 22Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
During sieve analysis, what does the term 'cumulative percent retained' represent on a given sieve?
- The percentage passing that sieve
- The total percentage of material retained on that sieve and all coarser sieves Correct answer.
- The percentage of material lost during sieving
- The percentage of material retained on that sieve alone
Explanation
Cumulative percent retained is the sum of the percentages retained on the specified sieve and every coarser sieve above it. It is used directly in fineness modulus calculations.
Question 23Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A coarse aggregate is being evaluated for use in a high-traffic pavement surface. Which test result would be most relevant to resistance to polishing and skid resistance?
- Polished stone value Correct answer.
- Bulk specific gravity
- Los Angeles abrasion loss
- Sodium sulfate soundness loss
Explanation
Polished stone value measures how much an aggregate polishes under traffic, which directly affects skid resistance of the surface. Abrasion and soundness tests address different durability properties.
Question 24Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
In a gradation analysis, the percent passing each sieve is calculated relative to which mass?
- The mass of the pan fraction only
- The mass retained on that sieve
- The total mass of the sample before sieving Correct answer.
- The mass passing the finest sieve
Explanation
Percent passing is computed from the total sample mass, subtracting the cumulative mass retained on and above each sieve. This normalizes the results across samples of different size.
Question 25Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which condition would most likely cause a fineness modulus result to differ between two otherwise identical fine aggregate samples?
- A difference in the bulk specific gravity of the samples
- A difference in the oven-dry mass of the samples
- A change in the sieve set or a missing sieve in the series Correct answer.
- A difference in the color of the aggregate
Explanation
The fineness modulus is the sum of cumulative percentages retained on a defined sieve series, so omitting or adding a sieve changes the sum. Specific gravity and color do not enter the calculation.
Question 26Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which laboratory method is used to determine the bulk specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate?
- Sand equivalent cylinder settling
- Submersion and oven-drying procedure Correct answer.
- Sieve analysis after washing
- Los Angeles abrasion machine run
Explanation
Bulk specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate are found by saturating the sample, determining its SSD mass, then its submerged (apparent) mass, and finally oven-drying to constant mass. Absorption is computed from the difference between SSD and oven-dry mass.
Question 27Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A fine aggregate sample has a total mass of 1000 g and, after washing over the No. 200 sieve and drying, a retained mass of 940 g. What is the percent passing the No. 200 sieve by washing?
- 9.4 percent
- 6.0 percent Correct answer.
- 94.0 percent
- 4.0 percent
Explanation
The material washed through the No. 200 sieve is the difference between the original dry mass and the mass retained after washing: 1000 - 940 = 60 g. Dividing 60 g by 1000 g and multiplying by 100 gives 6.0 percent passing.
Question 28Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
In the standard test for determining the resistance of coarse aggregate to degradation, which combination of actions does the Los Angeles machine apply to the sample?
- Dissolution and recrystallization
- Freezing and thawing cycles
- Wetting and capillary rise
- Abrasion and impact Correct answer.
Explanation
The Los Angeles abrasion test tumbles aggregate with steel charges in a rotating drum, subjecting particles to repeated abrasion and impact. The result reflects the percentage of material broken down during the test.
Question 29Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
When preparing a coarse aggregate sample for specific gravity testing, why is the sample brought to the saturated surface-dry condition before weighing?
- To provide a reproducible reference for the permeable pore space Correct answer.
- To remove all absorbed water from the pores
- To eliminate the need for an oven-dry mass
- To increase the apparent density of the particles
Explanation
The SSD condition fills permeable pores with water while the surface is dry, giving a consistent reference state for computing bulk volume. Absorption and bulk SSD specific gravity both depend on this defined condition.
Question 30Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which statement correctly describes how the fineness modulus of fine aggregate is computed?
- The sum of the cumulative percent retained on a specified sieve series, divided by 100 Correct answer.
- The difference between the percent passing the No. 100 and No. 4 sieves
- The total mass retained on the No. 4 sieve divided by the sample mass
- The average percent passing a specified sieve series
Explanation
Fineness modulus is the sum of the cumulative percentages retained on a defined series of sieves divided by 100. It provides a single index of the average particle size of the fine aggregate.
Question 31Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A technician obtains a sand equivalent value of 88 for a fine aggregate. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
- The fine aggregate is too coarse for use in concrete
- The fine aggregate contains a high proportion of plastic fines
- The fine aggregate has excessive absorption
- The fine aggregate is relatively clean with limited clay-like material Correct answer.
Explanation
A high sand equivalent value indicates that most of the fine material behaves as sand rather than as clay-like fines. Values near 88 suggest a relatively clean fine aggregate with limited plastic fines.
Question 32Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which sample reduction method is generally preferred for producing a representative test portion from a large aggregate sample?
- Taking the top layer from the stockpile
- Washing the sample before dividing
- Riffle splitting the sample Correct answer.
- Selecting the largest particles by hand
Explanation
A riffle (sample) splitter divides material evenly among chutes so each portion reflects the original gradation. Hand selection or scooping can bias the sample toward certain particle sizes.
Question 33Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which aggregate property is determined by the test in which a sample is dried to constant mass and then compared with its mass when saturated?
- Angularity
- Soundness
- Absorption Correct answer.
- Bulk density
Explanation
Absorption is the increase in mass of aggregate due to water in the permeable pores, computed from the SSD and oven-dry masses. Drying to constant mass establishes the oven-dry reference needed for this calculation.
Question 34Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A coarse aggregate sample has an oven-dry mass of 1200 g and a saturated surface-dry mass of 1218 g. What is the absorption?
- 15.0 percent
- 1.8 percent
- 0.15 percent
- 1.5 percent Correct answer.
Explanation
Absorption equals the difference between SSD and oven-dry mass divided by the oven-dry mass, times 100. Here (1218 - 1200) / 1200 x 100 = 1.5 percent.
Question 35Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
During a sieve analysis, a coarse aggregate sample has 2400 g of material retained on the 9.5 mm sieve out of a 4000 g total. What is the percent retained on that sieve?
- 16 percent
- 40 percent
- 60 percent Correct answer.
- 24 percent
Explanation
Percent retained on a sieve equals the mass retained on that sieve divided by the total sample mass, times 100. Here 2400 / 4000 x 100 = 60 percent retained.
Question 36Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which factor would most directly cause a higher fineness modulus for a given fine aggregate source?
- An increase in the clay content of the fines
- A reduction in sample moisture content
- An increase in the proportion of coarser particles Correct answer.
- A decrease in the proportion of coarse particles
Explanation
Fineness modulus increases when more material is retained on the coarser sieves, since cumulative percent retained rises. A coarser grading therefore produces a larger fineness modulus value.
Question 37Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A technician measures the bulk density of coarse aggregate using a cylindrical measure. Which step is essential to obtain a valid result?
- Selecting only rounded particles for the measure
- Oven-drying the measure before each trial
- Wetting the aggregate to full saturation
- Compacting the aggregate in the measure in a prescribed manner Correct answer.
Explanation
Bulk density depends on how the aggregate is placed, so the measure must be filled and compacted following the specified procedure to be repeatable. Consistent filling and strike-off produce a valid volume-based density.
Question 38Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A fine aggregate has a fineness modulus of 3.10. Compared with a fine aggregate having a fineness modulus of 2.40, how should the 3.10 material be described?
- Higher clay content
- Finer overall grading
- Coarser overall grading Correct answer.
- Lower specific gravity
Explanation
A larger fineness modulus indicates a coarser grading because more material is retained on coarser sieves. The 3.10 value reflects a coarser fine aggregate than the 2.40 value.
Question 39Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
In a washed gradation analysis, the percent passing each sieve is calculated relative to which mass?
- The SSD mass of the sample
- The mass of material finer than the No. 200 sieve
- The mass retained on the largest sieve
- The total dry mass of the sample before washing Correct answer.
Explanation
Percent passing is computed against the total dry mass of the original sample so the washed-out fines are accounted for. Using any partial mass would misstate the true gradation.
Question 40Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A coarse aggregate is intended for a high-traffic pavement surface where resistance to polishing is important. Which test result would be most relevant to that concern?
- Los Angeles abrasion loss Correct answer.
- Sodium sulfate soundness loss
- Flat and elongated particle percentage
- Bulk specific gravity
Explanation
Abrasion resistance reflects how well aggregate resists degradation under traffic-related wear and impact. Lower Los Angeles abrasion loss indicates a tougher aggregate suited to high-traffic surfaces.
Question 41Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A sample of aggregate has an as-received mass of 800 g and an oven-dry mass of 784 g. What is the moisture content expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry mass?
- 2.04 percent Correct answer.
- 16.0 percent
- 1.60 percent
- 0.20 percent
Explanation
Moisture content is the mass of water divided by the oven-dry mass, times 100. Here (800 - 784) / 784 x 100 = 2.04 percent.
Question 42Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which practice best ensures that a field sample of coarse aggregate is representative of the stockpile?
- Sampling only the fine material at the base
- Collecting material from several locations and depths and combining them Correct answer.
- Taking a single scoop from the top of the pile
- Collecting only the largest visible particles
Explanation
Representative sampling requires collecting increments from multiple locations and depths to capture the full range of particle sizes. These increments are then combined and reduced to a test portion.
Question 43Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A technician needs to report the bulk specific gravity (oven-dry) of a coarse aggregate. Which masses are required for this calculation?
- SSD mass and submerged mass only
- Submerged mass and measure volume only
- Oven-dry mass and SSD mass only
- Oven-dry mass and submerged mass Correct answer.
Explanation
Bulk specific gravity (oven-dry) is the oven-dry mass divided by the bulk volume, where bulk volume is derived from the submerged mass. Both the oven-dry and submerged masses are needed.
Question 44Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Which condition would most likely produce an unreliable fineness modulus result for a fine aggregate?
- Using a sample reduced by a riffle splitter
- Using a test sample that was not dried to constant mass Correct answer.
- Using a sample passing the 9.5 mm sieve
- Using a sample washed over the No. 200 sieve
Explanation
Fineness modulus is based on dry masses retained on each sieve, so residual moisture distorts the mass distribution. Drying to constant mass ensures the retained masses reflect the true gradation.
Question 45Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
In the sodium sulfate soundness test, what does a high loss percentage indicate about the aggregate?
- High resistance to freeze-thaw damage
- Low absorption of the particles
- Poor resistance to weathering-related disintegration Correct answer.
- Excessive angularity of particles
Explanation
The soundness test subjects aggregate to repeated immersion and drying in sulfate solution, simulating weathering. A high loss percentage indicates the aggregate breaks down readily and has poor weathering resistance.
Question 46Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A fine aggregate sample has a sand equivalent value of 32. How should this result be interpreted?
- The fine aggregate is unsuitable for any concrete use
- The fine aggregate is very clean and free of clay-like material
- The fine aggregate contains a relatively high proportion of plastic fines Correct answer.
- The fine aggregate has an unusually coarse grading
Explanation
A low sand equivalent value means a large share of the fine material behaves as clay-like fines rather than as sand. Such material may increase water demand and reduce mixture quality.
Question 47Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A coarse aggregate has a bulk SSD specific gravity of 2.70 and an absorption of 1.0 percent. For a batch requiring 1000 kg of oven-dry aggregate, what is the SSD mass required?
- 1000 kg
- 990 kg
- 1027 kg
- 1010 kg Correct answer.
Explanation
SSD mass equals the oven-dry mass increased by the absorbed water: 1000 kg x (1 + 0.01) = 1010 kg. Absorption is applied to the oven-dry mass, not the SSD mass.
Question 48Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
Two fine aggregate samples from the same source give fineness moduli of 2.60 and 2.95. Which explanation best accounts for the difference?
- One sample had a higher specific gravity
- One sample was inadvertently screened to remove coarse particles Correct answer.
- One sample had a higher moisture content
- One sample was tested at a different temperature
Explanation
Fineness modulus responds to the retained-mass distribution, so removing coarse particles shifts the cumulative retained and lowers the value. Moisture, specific gravity, and temperature do not change the dry gradation used in the calculation.
Question 49Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
A washed gradation test shows 8.0 percent passing the No. 200 sieve for a coarse aggregate. Which statement best describes the implication?
- The material contains a notable fines fraction that warrants evaluation for use Correct answer.
- The material will have a fineness modulus below 1.0
- The material cannot be evaluated by sieve analysis
- The material is free of any material finer than the No. 200 sieve
Explanation
A measurable percent passing the No. 200 sieve indicates fines are present, which can affect water demand, bonding, and durability. The result should be evaluated against specification limits for the intended use.
Question 50Aggregate Testing (Level 2)
An aggregate sample is split, and one portion is tested for bulk density by loose filling while the other is tested by rodding in layers. Why do the two results differ?
- Specific gravity changes with compaction
- Absorption differs between the two portions
- Particle arrangement and void content differ with placement method Correct answer.
- The measure volume changes with filling method
Explanation
Bulk density depends on how particles pack, and compaction by rodding reduces void space compared with loose filling. The measure volume is fixed, so the mass of aggregate it holds changes with placement.