ICC (EC) Soils 1 - 135 Exam Questions and Answers
Information for the ICC (EC) Soils Special Inspector exam can be found in the ___. It is updated ___. - ANSWER National Certification Examination Information Bulletin every six months What references are allowed to be brought to the ICC (EC) Soils Special Inspector exam? - ANSWER Geotechnical Testing, Observation, and Documentation Soils, Earthwork, and Foundations Special Inspection Manual 2012 International Building Code 2015 ASTM Standards as Referenced in the IBC
ASTM References: (2016)
D 75-14
D 422-63 (2007)
D 698-12e1
D 1556-07
D 1557-12
D 2487-11
D 2488-09a D 4318-10e1
D 4718-87 (2007)
D 4959-07
D 6938-10
The ICC (EC) Soils Special Inspector exam expected range of knowledge (ERK) is divided into
content areas: - ANSWER General Requirements
Sampling, Classification, and Laboratory Test Results 1 / 3
Grading Plans and Site Preparation Fill Monitoring and Testing Test Method ASTM D1556 (sand cone) is applicable for soils without considerable amounts of rock or coarse materials greater than ____ in diameter. - ANSWER 1.5" ASTM D1556 (sand cone) is not suitable for ___, ___,or ___ soils that would deform or compress during the excavation of the test hole. - ANSWER Organic Saturated Highly plastic The test hole volume for a sand cone test will depend on the anticipated ___ in the soil to be tested. - ANSWER Maximum particle size Bulk density tests of sand will be conducted at maximum intervals of ___, when a new batch arrives, or after any potential changes have taken place. - ANSWER 14 days For ASTM D6938 *In-Place Density and Water Content by Nuclear Methods*, Procedure A describes ___ and Procedure B describes the ___. - ANSWER Direct transmission Backscatter position The *ratio of the mass of water* contained in the pore spaces of soil or soil-aggregate *to the solid mass* of particles in the materials expressed as a percentage is the ____. - ANSWER gravimetric water content The *volume of water* as a *percent of the total volume of soil or rock* material is the ___. - ANSWER volumetric water content Standardization of the nuclear gauge shall be performed ___. - ANSWER at the start of each day's use Perform standardization and operation of the gauge at least ___ meters ( ___feet) away from other gauges, large masses of water, or other items that can affect the reference count rate. -
ANSWER 9 ( 30 )
For nuclear gauge standardization, take at least ___ repetitive readings to obtain the mean. -
ANSWER 4
If, for any reason, the nuclear gauge reading becomes suspect during the day's use, you should ____. - ANSWER perform another standardization check For ASTM D6938 always select a test location at least ___ mm (___in) away from any vertical 2 / 3
mass or when tests are to be conducted in a trench within ___ mm (___in) of a vertical project, follow the manufacturer's correction procedures. - ANSWER 150 = 6
600 = 24
If the nuclear gauge is to be used continuously or intermittently throughout the day, it is best to leave it in the "_____" condition. - ANSWER Power on The *maximum* void depth beneath the gauge shall not exceed the ___ mm = ____in. Use ___ or ___ not greater than ___mm = ___in to fill the voids. - ANSWER 3 ( 1/8" ) native fines or fine sand
- ( 1/8" )
- / 3
The test hole for the nuclear gauge should be a minimum of ___ mm ( ___ in ) deeper than the desired measurement. - ANSWER 50 ( 2" ) Report the *density* and *dry density* to the nearest ___ kg/m3 ( ____ lbm/ft3 ) and *water content* to the nearest ___. - ANSWER 1 ( 0.1 ) 0.1% Nuclear gauges shall be calibrated at a period not to exceed ___. - ANSWER 12 months Measurements for water (moisture) content are taken at the surface in ___ regardless of the mode used for density. - ANSWER backscatter mode The two radioactive elements in the nuclear gauge are ___ and ___. - ANSWER cesium americium Any sample that cannot be rolled into a 1/8-inch thread should be considered ___. - ANSWER nonplastic Field density tests are used to measure the amount of ___ and the ___ of the material being placed. - ANSWER moisture percent compaction Upon completion of the Liquid Limit (LL) test, remove approximately ___ to ___ grams from the 1/2-inch closure with a spatula and place it in an oven to dry at least ___°F ( ___°C ). - ANSWER 10 to 15g 230°F ( 110°C )