Exam Questions And Correct Answers

CA D88 Seismic Retrofit Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a seismic retrofit?
• Improve aesthetic appearance
• Increase property value
• Reduce risk of structural failure during earthquakes
• Reduce construction costs
• Reduce risk of structural failure during earthquakes

Rationale: Seismic retrofitting is aimed at strengthening existing structures

to withstand seismic activity, minimizing damage and risk to occupants.

• Which structural element is most commonly retrofitted to resist lateral

seismic forces?

• Roof trusses
• Exterior walls
• Foundations
• Floors
• Exterior walls

Rationale: Exterior walls often require reinforcement to resist lateral loads

during an earthquake, preventing collapse.

• What is a common method for retrofitting unreinforced masonry

(URM) walls?

• Painting
• Anchoring and bracing with steel 1 / 3

• Installing carpet
• Replacing windows
• Anchoring and bracing with steel

Rationale: URM walls are particularly vulnerable to seismic forces and are

strengthened using steel anchors and braces.

• Which of the following retrofitting techniques improves foundation

performance during earthquakes?

• Epoxy coating
• Foundation bolting
• Installing skylights
• Insulating walls
• Foundation bolting

Rationale: Bolting the structure to its foundation helps prevent the building

from sliding off during seismic activity.

• What is the purpose of a shear wall in seismic retrofitting?
• Enhance thermal insulation
• Resist lateral forces
• Support roof loads only
• Improve ventilation
• Resist lateral forces

Rationale: Shear walls are vertical structural elements designed to resist

lateral forces caused by earthquakes.

• Which material is commonly used to wrap columns for seismic

strengthening?

• Wood
• Steel or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)
• Glass
• Plastic
• Steel or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)

Rationale: FRP or steel wrapping increases the ductility and load-bearing

capacity of concrete columns. 2 / 3

• What is base isolation in seismic retrofitting?
• Installing new windows
• Decoupling the building from ground motion using isolators
• Adding more floors
• Painting the foundation
• Decoupling the building from ground motion using isolators

Rationale: Base isolation allows the building to move independently of

ground shaking, reducing structural stress.

• What type of retrofit is suitable for soft-story buildings?
• Adding carpet
• Installing steel moment frames or shear walls
• Replacing windows
• Adding decorative trim
• Installing steel moment frames or shear walls

Rationale: Soft-story buildings, often with weak first floors, require

structural reinforcement to prevent collapse.

• Which factor is critical when designing a seismic retrofit?
• Color of paint
• Local seismic code and building type
• Landscaping design
• Roof shingles
• Local seismic code and building type

Rationale: Retrofitting must comply with local seismic codes and account

for structural characteristics.

• What does the term “ductility” refer to in seismic engineering?
• Ability of a material to conduct heat
• Ability of a material to undergo deformation without failure
• Ability of a wall to hold paint
• Ability to resist wind load only
• / 3