Field Testing Flashcards
7 cards from real NETTCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Field Testing flashcards as text
A field technician performing a hand-held retroreflectometer test on pavement markings obtains a reading of 80 mcd/m²/lux. Most state DOTs require a minimum of 150 mcd/m²/lux for new markings. This result means:
Answer: The markings fail and should be reported for reapplication
A reading of 80 mcd/m²/lux is well below the minimum 150 mcd/m²/lux threshold, constituting a clear failure requiring remediation.
During a field embankment inspection, a technician observes that the contractor is placing fill lifts that appear to be 18 inches thick. Typical compaction specifications require maximum loose lift thickness of:
Answer: 8 inches (200 mm)
Most NETTCP-region DOT specifications limit uncompacted lift thickness to 8 inches (200 mm) so compaction energy can reach the full layer depth.
A field technician uses a digital thermometer to check asphalt mat temperature behind the paver and gets a reading of 215°F (102°C). The specification minimum for compaction start is 280°F (138°C). The correct action is:
Answer: Notify the inspector and halt rolling until the cause is determined
A mat temperature well below the compaction minimum indicates a delivery or laydown problem; the inspector must be notified before compaction proceeds.
What test is used in the field to evaluate the bearing capacity of a subgrade using a rod and calibrated hammer system?
Answer: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test
The DCP uses a falling hammer to drive a cone into the soil; penetration rate per blow correlates with California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and subgrade strength.
When conducting a field pipe joint infiltration test on a newly installed storm drainage system, the technician fills the pipe with water and monitors for leakage. What is primarily being assessed?
Answer: Joint tightness and overall system watertightness
Infiltration or exfiltration tests check that pipe joints and connections are watertight so groundwater cannot enter and stormwater cannot leak out.
A field technician is conducting a traffic count using a pneumatic tube counter. One tube is found cut and the counts are asymmetric. This will result in:
Answer: Inaccurate axle counts and erroneous classification data
Pneumatic tube counters rely on both tubes to distinguish axle groupings for classification; a damaged tube corrupts axle and vehicle-type data.
Which condition requires a field technician to STOP concrete placement operations on a bridge deck?
Answer: Ambient temperature drops below 40°F (4°C) and is forecast to remain below 40°F for 24 hours
Cold weather concrete protection requirements typically mandate stopping placement or implementing approved cold-weather precautions when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).