Exam Practice Questions And Correct

Concrete Paving Technician Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of air entrainment in concrete paving?
• Increase density
• Reduce setting time
• Improve abrasion resistance
• Enhance freeze–thaw durability

Rationale: Air entrainment creates microscopic air voids that protect

against freeze–thaw damage.

• Which test is used to determine concrete slump?
• Kelly Ball Test

B. ASTM C143 1 / 4

C. ASTM C231

D. ASTM C31

Rationale: ASTM C143 is the standard method for measuring concrete

slump.

• What is the typical minimum compressive strength for concrete

pavement at 28 days?

• 2,500 psi
• 3,000 psi
• 4,000 psi
• 5,000 psi

Rationale: Most paving specifications require a minimum of about 4,000

psi.

• Which aggregate property most affects workability?
• Specific gravity
• Soundness
• Angularity
• Gradation

Rationale: Well-graded aggregates improve workability and reduce water

demand.

• What is the typical target air content for concrete pavement in cold

climates? 2 / 4

A. 1–2%

B. 3–4%

C. 5–8%

D. 10–12%

Rationale: Air-entrained paving mixes usually require 5–8% air.

• What is the primary function of dowel bars in jointed concrete

pavement?

• Reduce drying shrinkage
• Transfer load across joints
• Increase flexural strength
• Improve compaction

Rationale: Dowel bars ensure efficient load transfer between slabs.

• Which curing method is most commonly used for concrete pavements?
• Wet burlap
• Steam curing
• Spray-applied curing compound
• Plastic sheets

Rationale: Curing compounds are widely used on large pavement areas.

• What is the main purpose of contraction joints?
• Strengthen the slab
• Provide decorative patterns
• Control cracking 3 / 4

• Reduce permeability

Rationale: Contraction joints relieve internal stresses and prevent random

cracks.

• Which factor has the greatest influence on concrete strength?
• Aggregate type
• Cement brand
• Mixing time
• Water–cement ratio

Rationale: The W/C ratio directly affects strength and durability.

• Vibrating screeds are used primarily for what purpose?
• Transport concrete
• Cure concrete
• Consolidate and level concrete
• Create joints

Rationale: Screeds vibrate and strike off the surface to proper elevation.

• What does the flexural strength of concrete measure?
• Tensile strength
• Resistance to bending
• Resistance to abrasion
• Modulus of elasticity
• / 4