Contractor Exam Practice Questions

Utah E100 General Engineering Contractor Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a construction site safety plan?
• To comply with OSHA paperwork requirements
• To schedule workers efficiently
• To identify hazards and outline procedures to prevent accidents
• To reduce material costs

Rationale: A construction site safety plan is designed to identify

potential hazards and establish procedures to minimize the risk of accidents, not just for paperwork compliance.

2. In grading a road project, the “crown” of the road refers to:

• The total road width 1 / 4

• The maximum depth of the roadbed
• The raised center of the road for drainage
• The slope at the shoulder

Rationale: The crown is the center portion of the road surface that is

slightly higher than the edges to allow water runoff.

• Which type of bond guarantees that the contractor will perform the

work according to the contract?

• Bid bond
• Payment bond
• Performance bond
• Maintenance bond

Rationale: A performance bond ensures the contractor completes the

project according to contract terms.

4. When excavating near existing utilities, the first step should be:

• Begin digging immediately
• Notify the utility company and locate utilities
• Mark and locate all underground utilities before digging
• Use mechanical equipment without caution

Rationale: To prevent damage or accidents, all underground utilities

must be located and marked before excavation.

• What is the main reason for compaction of soil in earthwork?
• To reduce soil moisture
• To increase soil color uniformity 2 / 4

• To increase soil density and strength
• To make soil easier to remove

Rationale: Soil compaction increases density, reducing settlement

and increasing strength for supporting structures.

6. The allowable stress for a material is defined as:

• The maximum stress that will cause immediate failure
• The stress applied during testing
• The maximum stress that a material can safely withstand under

working conditions

• The average stress in a material

Rationale: Allowable stress is a safe working stress below the

material’s ultimate capacity, factoring in safety margins.

• Which survey instrument is commonly used for measuring horizontal

and vertical angles?

• Level
• Tape measure
• Theodolite
• GPS receiver

Rationale: Theodolites measure horizontal and vertical angles

accurately, essential for precise surveying.

• In reinforced concrete design, the main purpose of steel

reinforcement is:

• To reduce the concrete curing time 3 / 4

• To carry tensile stresses
• To prevent shrinkage
• To improve aesthetics

Rationale: Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so

steel reinforcement carries tensile loads.

• What is the standard slope for a stable cut in dry, granular soil?

A. 1:1

B. 1.5:1

C. 2:1

D. 3:1

Rationale: A 1.5:1 slope (horizontal:vertical) is generally considered stable for dry granular soil cuts.

• Which of the following is a primary consideration when selecting

construction equipment?

• Brand popularity
• Operator preference
• Project size and type
• Color of equipment

Rationale: Equipment must be chosen based on project requirements

such as capacity, terrain, and type of work.

• In concrete mixing, what effect does too much water have?
• Speeds up curing
• Reduces strength and durability
• / 4