Excavation Techniques & Site Management Flashcards
7 cards from real MEOC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Excavation Techniques & Site Management flashcards as text
What is the correct procedure when you reach the bottom elevation of a foundation excavation?
Answer: Clean the bottom to undisturbed soil and have it inspected before proceeding
The sub-grade must be cleaned to undisturbed soil and inspected by the engineer or geotechnical professional before concrete placement.
During a slope excavation, what sign indicates that the cut face may be experiencing active creep?
Answer: Small soil sloughs accumulating at the toe of the slope
Small accumulations of sloughed material at the slope toe indicate slow downward soil movement and potential slope instability.
What is the function of a 'grade checker' or 'grade setter' working with an excavator operator?
Answer: To verify excavation depth and grade using surveying tools and direct the operator accordingly
A grade checker uses a grade rod and laser or stringline to verify that the operator is excavating to the correct elevation and slope.
When excavating rock, which factor most directly determines whether blasting versus mechanical breaking is required?
Answer: Rock hardness, fracture pattern, and volume to be removed
Rock hardness and fracture frequency determine whether a hydraulic breaker can break it efficiently or blasting is required.
What is 'over-excavation' and why is it a problem in foundation work?
Answer: Removing more material than the design requires, often creating a disturbed sub-grade that must be corrected
Over-excavation disturbs the bearing sub-grade and requires costly corrective fill or additional compaction to restore bearing capacity.
A trench is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. Which protective system is the minimum OSHA requirement?
Answer: Simple 1:1 slope, benching, or an approved shoring/shield system
For Type B soil at 8 feet, OSHA requires either a 1:1 slope, benching, or a manufactured trench box/shoring system.
What is the purpose of 'rough grading' versus 'finish grading' on a construction site?
Answer: Rough grading establishes approximate design elevation; finish grading achieves the final precise grade and surface quality
Rough grading moves the bulk of material to near-design elevation, while finish grading achieves the precise final grade required for drainage and construction.