Reviewer for materials engineer

MATERIALS ENGINEERS REVIEW NOTES
SET ONE
1. The standard penetration test (SPT) is an in-situ-test that measures what?
Ans. – depth of soil layer
2. Which of the ff. bituminous material is best recommended for sealing weakened plane joints?
Ans. – joint filler asphalt (commonly called hard asphalt or blown asphalt)
3. The main problem associated with wrong practice of conveying concrete is called what?
Ans. – segregation
4. The specifications call for 1:2:4 concrete mix. In a one bagger mixer, which of the ff. amount of
water is most likely required for the mix?
Ans. - 20 liters
5. A one-lane road, with a pavement width of 3.5 meters and shoulder width of 0.5 meter on each
side of the pavement, was designed to have sub base and base courses with a combined thickness
of 300mm. If the thickness of the sub base is a 125mm, the spreading and compaction of the
subbase and base courses shall be carried out in:
Ans. – 3 layers over the full width of 4.5 m
6. As materials engineer, what is the area of the trial section that you would recommend to check the
suitability of the materials and efficiency of the equipment to be used for item 310 Bituminous
Concrete Surface Course?
Ans. – about 500 sq.m
7. Per program of work, the estimated volume of Item 201 materials is 7500 cu.m. How many
grading and plasticity tests are required based on the DPWH minimum testing requirements?
Ans. – 25 grading and 25 plasticity
8. Bituminous concrete mixes contain asphalt by weight equivalent to what?
Ans. – 5 to 8 %
9. Quality of factory-produced reinforced concrete pipes may be best establishment through what?
Ans. – Test of concrete pipes samples
10. Where do we take additional cores when the measured of any core taken from the pavement is
deficient in thickness by more than 25mm?
Ans. – at no less than 5 meter intervals parallel to the centerline in each direction from the affected
location
11. The results of the Immersion-Compression test conducted on an asphalt mix sample are as follows:
Dry stability = 2,000 Kpa
Wet stability = 1,000 Kpa
What is the resulting Index of Retained strength? Does it meet the specification requirement of
Item 301, Bituminous Concrete Surface Course?
Ans. –
Index of Retained Strength or IRS = Wet stability x 100
Dry stability
= (1,000 Kpa/2,000 Kpa) x 100
IRS = 50%
* No, it does not meet the specification of Item 310 since the specification
of IRS is 70% minimum while the resulting IRS here is only 50%.

12. Quality Control testing in a DPWH project is the responsibility of the_________?
Ans. – Contractor Materials Engineers
13. As materials engineers, when is the right time to start sampling and testing aggregate of the
course materials?
Ans. – Before the course materials be incorporated in the project.
14. The spot test on asphalt is used to determine what?
Ans. – overheating during manufacture
15. Under what climatic condition(s) do we use the lower penetration grade or hard asphalt?
Ans. – hot climate
16. Sampling of the freshly mixed concrete should be taken on the ______ batch discharge of the
transit mixer?
Ans. - middle
17. Soft and unstable soils were encountered during the course of sub-grade preparation. If you were
the materials engineer assigned to the project, what is the most effective and cheaper method that
you would recommend to stabilize the soil prior to the construction of the subbase course?
Ans. - geotextiles
18. How many times per layer should a concrete specimen molded in a 6”x6”x12” beam mold be
rodded?
Ans. – 63 times
19. What is the basis for acceptance or rejection of any construction materials?
Ans. – Materials Test Reports
20. In testing concrete cylinder sample the load applied should be continuous without shock at a
constant rate within the range of _______ per second.
Ans. - 0.14 to 0.34 Mpa per second or 20 to 50 psi per second.
21. During the application of the first half of the anticipated load a loading shall be permitted.
Ans. – higher rate
22. Initial rolling in bituminous mixes shall be performed with a ___________ roller.
Ans. – Pneumatic-Tire roller
23. Final rolling in bituminous mixes shall be performed with a ____________ roller.
Ans.- 3-wheel or tandem type steel wheel roller
24. Rolling of Bituminous mix shall be discontinued whenever it begins to produce excessive
__________or __________.
Ans.- pulverizing of the aggregate or displacement of the mixture
25. Final rolling shall be continued until roller marks are eliminated and a minimum _________ mass
percent of the density of the laboratory compacted a specimen prepared in accordance with
AASHTO T160 has been obtained.
Ans. – 95 mass percent
26. Sample from compacted bituminous mix shall be neatly cut by a saw or core drill. Each sample
shall be at least ___________.
Ans. – 150mm x 150mm x 100mm diameter full depth

27. For surface Tolerances the surface (bituminous mix) will be checked by the used of a __________
at sites selected by the engineer.
Ans. 3-m straight edge
28. If the volume of coarse aggregate intended in your project in 85 cu.m., how many grading test will
you perform?
Ans. - 1 grading test
29. What is the most common method adapted by DPWH in the determination of density of the soil in
place?
Ans. – sand cone method
30. What is the minimum sample for moisture content determination if the maximum size of particles is
50mm (2 inches)?
Ans. – 1000 grams
31. What is the minimum mass of field sample for a maximum size of fine aggregates at 4.75mm
(no.4)?
Ans. – 20 kgs.
32. What is minimum mass of field samples for coarse aggregate with a maximum nominal size of
aggregates of 50mm (2 inches)?
Ans. – 75 kgs.
33. What is the minimum mass/quality of samples for Portland cement to be tested for quality test in
the laboratory?
Ans. – 10 kgs.
34. What is the minimum mass/quality of samples for asphaltic materials?
Ans. – 5 liters
35. The minimum mass/quantity of samples for asphalt mix?
Ans. – 10 kgs.
36. The submission of any type of samples in the laboratory, what should you accomplished and to be
submitted together with the samples?
Ans. – sample card
37. If the minimum yield strength of a grade 40 steel bars is 40,000 psi, what is the equivalent
MN/m2?
Ans. – 276 Mpa
38. If the minimum yield strength of a grade 60 steel bars is 414 Mpa, what is the equivalent in PSI?
Ans. – 60,000 psi
39. How many samples for quality of steel bars grade 40 if there are 15,500 kgs. of steel bars all
25mm 0 at site?
Ans. – 2 samples @ 1 meter long
40. What is the minimum mass of yield samples for coarse aggregates with a maximum nominal size of
aggregate of 75mm (3inches)?
Ans. – 100 kgs.
41. What is the minimum mass of coarse aggregates retained on the 200mm sieve shall be set a side
for sieve analysis for 50mm (2 inches) particle size?
Ans. – 2 kgs.

42. What is the minimum average strength requirement for non load bearing concrete hollow blocks?
Ans. – 4.14 Mpa.
43. What is the minimum average strength requirement for a load bearing concrete hollow blocks?
Ans. – 6.9 Mpa.
44. What is the average deficient thickness per lot of cores specimen where no payment is
recommended on the project?
Ans. – more than 25 mm
45. What is the maximum average deficient thickness per lot of cores specimen where 100% payment
is recommended?
Ans, - 5 mm maximum
46. Concrete in the area represented by the cores will be consider adequate if the average strength of
the cores is equal to at least ________ of the specified strength, f’c and no single core is less than
75% of f’c.
Ans. – 85% f’c
47. The weighted loss of fine aggregates subjected to 5 cycles of the sodium sulfate soundness test
should not exceed.
Ans. – 10 mass %
48. The recommended type of Portland cement to be used in concreting unless otherwise provided for
in the special provision:
Ans. – type 1
49. Portland cement maybe/shall be rejected if:
Ans. - it has partially set
- it contains lumps of cake cement
- it comes from a discarded or used bag
50. Fine aggregates shall be rejected when if fails in the ________ for organic impurities.
Ans. – colormatic test
51. Fine aggregates used for PCCP shall not contain more than ________ of materials passing the
0.075 mm (no. 200 sieve) by washing.
52. The coarse aggregate used for PCCP shall not contain more than ________ of materials passing
the 0.075 mm (no. 200 sieve) by washing.
53. The mass percent of wear or abration loss of coarse aggregate used for when by AASHTO T-96
should not exceed.
Ans. – 50%
54. The weighted loss of coarse aggregate when subjected to five (5) cycle of the sodium sulfate
soundness test should not exceed.
55. The used dowel bars used in PCCP is
Ans. – plain round bar
56. A department Order series of 1997 give supplement guidelines on the conduct of Project
assessment by the Quality assurance units Regional Office (QAU-RO)
Ans. D.O. #52

57. A Department Order series of 1997, Revised DPWH Standard specification for Elastomeric bearing
pads for bridge superstructures.
Ans. – D.O. #20
58. What is the maximum compressive strength of 150 mm x 300 mm concrete cylinder specimen at
28 days for class B concrete?
Ans. – 5000 Psi (37.7 Mpa)
59. What is the maximum compressive strength of 150 mm x 300 mm concrete cylinder specimen at
28 days for class C concrete?
Ans. – 3000 Psi (20.7 Mpa)
60. The weepholes shall be placed at the lowest points where free outlets for water can be obtained
and shall be spread not more than:
Ans. – 2 meters center to center
61. One of the most common method used in compaction test/moisture density relation test of soil is:
Ans. – AASHTO T-180
62. Which of the ff. common method used in compaction test/moisture density relation test of soil
adopted by DPWH:
Ans. – AASHTO T-99 and AASHTO T-180
63. If you are to use AASHTO T-99 method (standard proctor test) in compaction test, what is the
weight of rammer to be used?
Ans. – 2.5 kgs. (5.5 lbs.)
64. Using the standard proctor test or AASHTO T-99, what is the height of drop to a free fall above the
elevation of the soil and uniformly distributes such drops to the soil surface?
Ans. – 305 mm (12”)
65. Using the standard Proctor test or AASHTO T-99 or moisture density relation test, what is the
recommended no. of blows per layer?
Ans. – 25 blows
66. Using the modified Proctor test (AASHTO T-180) method for moisture density relation test of soil,
what is the recommended no. of blows per layer?
Ans. – 56 blows
67. Using again the modified Proctor test ( AASHTO T-180) method for moisture density relation test of
soil, what is the height of drop to a free fall above the elevation of the soil and uniformly distributes
such drops to the soil surface?
Ans. - 457 mm (18”)
68. What is the capacity or the computed volume of mold using 6” (152 mm) mold for both AASHTO T-
99 & AASHTO T-180 method?
Ans. – 0.002124 m3
69. What are the data’s needed in moisture density relation test of soil 2 most common method?
Ans. – maximum dry density (MDD)
- optimum moisture content (OMC)
70. The prime coat shall be left undisturbed for a period of at least ________ hrs. and shall not be
opened to traffic until it has penetrated and cured sufficiently so that it will not be picked up by the
wheels for passing vehicles.
Ans. - 24 hrs.

71. Concrete vibrators shall operate at maximum spacing of ________.
Ans. – 60 cm
72. Stockpiles of concrete aggregates shall be built-up in layers of not more than in thickness.
Ans. – one (1) meter
73. All washed aggregates shall be stockpiled or binned for draining at least ________ hrs. before
being batched.
Ans. – 12 hrs.
74. Concrete not in place within ________ from the time the ingredients where charged into the
mixing drum or that has developed initial set shall not be used.
Ans. – 90 minutes
75. Shall not be painted or coated with asphalt or other materials or enclosed in tubes or sleeves.
Ans. – tie bars
76. Mortar that is not used within ________ after the water has been added shall be discarded.
Ans. – 90 minutes
77. The maximum tensile strength of the wire mesh for gabions shall be
Ans. – 586.1 Mpa
78. A wire mesh made of galvanized steel used as a protection works.
Ans. – gabions
79. Minimum diameter of gabions per standard specification requirements
Ans. – 2.70 mm
80. Determines the hardness and stability of the compacted asphalt pavement
Ans. – core test
81. Sampling of PCCP/asphalt core specimens shall be taken from the pavement using:
Ans. – core drill
82. Size of asphalt core specimen for thickness and density determination:
Ans. – at least 150 mm x 150 mm
- 100 mm diameter full depth
83. The diameter of asphalt core specimens shall be at least equal to:
Ans. – one and one half times the maximum size of aggregates
84. The thickness of asphalt core specimens shall be at least equal to:
Ans. – two (2) times the maximum size of aggregates
85. Obtaining asphalt core specimens for each full days operation shall be:
Ans. – at least one but not more than three (3) core samples
86. Determining the thickness of asphalt core specimens is by:
Ans. – averaging the four sides of the core samples
87. Bituminous mixture will be measured by:
Ans. – tons
88. The average of ________ measures are made on the asphalt core specimens in determining the
thickness.
Ans. – 4

89. In bituminous mixture, ________ will not be permitted as a method of measurement.
Ans. – batch weights
90. A core shall be taken for every ________ if no core was taken at the end of each days operation.
Ans. – 100 Lm per lane
91. The average of four (4) measurements on the asphalt core specimen is to determine the
Ans. – thickness
92. The computation for the quantity of bituminous mixture area the ff.
Given:
Paving length represented, m = 120
Thickness, cm = 5.0
Width, m = 3.05
Total length of pavement, m= 380
Density, gm/cm3
= 2.221
Ans. – 40.64 tons
93. Main constituents of asphalt which is found in nature or as a residue in petroleum refining.
Ans. – bitumen
94. Asphalt is a dark ________ cementations material, solid or semi-solid consistency
Ans. – brown to black
95. Sampling bituminous mixes is one (1) sample every:
Ans. – 75 cu.m. or 130 m.t.
96. Sampling of asphalt is one (1) sample for every:
Ans. – 200 drums or 40 m.t.
97. Sampling of solid asphalt is one (1) sample for every:
Ans. – 10 lbs.
98. Representative quantity of one sample in sampling liquid asphalt is ________ sample for every:
Ans. – 1 quart to 1 gallon
99. During the breakdown rolling of asphalt mix, it is carried out by:
Ans. – pneumatic roller
100. In rolling asphalt mix, what phase of rolling is to remove the marks by the
other roller?
Ans. – final rolling
101. Ideal composition bituminous aggregates in the asphalt mix.
Ans. – 92 % to 96 %
102. The protection of hydrated lime added to the mixture by aggregate basis.
Ans. – 0.50 to 1.0 mass percent
103. The mixture of item 231 shall have a mass percent air voids with range of ________.
Ans. – 3 to 5
104. A consistency test for solid asphalt that determines the hardness of asphalt.
Ans. – Penetration
105. Determines the purity of asphalt on how much bitumen is in the asphalt.
Ans. – asphaltane

106. The properties of asphalt depend upon this ________ substance which is soluble in
petroleum solvents.
Ans. – Petrolane
107. Imparts ductility and high break point.
Ans. – resins
108. Apparatus used in the Penetration Test of asphalt.
Ans. – Penetrometer
109. Apparatus used in the Ductility Test of asphalt.
Ans. – ductility machine
110. Apparatus used in Flash Point Test of asphalt
Ans. – Cleveland Open Cup
111. The objective is to determine as economical blend between graded aggregates and asphalt
in order to produce a pavement that would meet the required specification.
Ans. – Job – mix formula
112. Asphalt cement with water and a little amount of emulsifier, usually derivatives of salt.
Ans. – Emulsified Asphalt
113. Asphalt cement mixed with kerosene, black in color and liquid and room temperature.
Ans. – Medium Curing Cut – back Asphalt
114. Test specimen required for Item 311 – Portland Cement Concrete Pavement.
Ans. – Concrete beam
115. Required slump for PCCP, if vibrated.
Ans. – 10 to 40 mm
116. Forms for PCCP shall remain in place undisturbed for not less than ________ hrs. after
concrete pouring.
Ans. – 24
117. Concrete shall be thoroughly consolidated by means of:
Ans. – vibrator
118. Flexural strength of PCCP when tested at third point.
Ans. – 3.80 Mpa
119. Transverse construction joint is also called as ________ is constructed when there is an
interruption of more than 30 minutes in the correcting works.
Ans. – cold joint
120. Mixing time of PCCP shall not be less than ________ or more than _______
Ans. – five (5) seconds, ninety (90) minutes
121. Compressive strength of PCCP tested at 14 days.
Ans. – 24.1 Mpa
122. Slumps for a workable PCCP if not vibrated
Ans. – 40 to 75 mm
123. Depth of weakened plane joints should at all times not be less than _______.

Ans. – 50 mm
124. Bars placed perpendicular to the longitudinal joint of PCCP.
Ans. – tie bars
125. Vibrators shall not be operated longer than ________ in any one location.
Ans. – 15 minutes
126. Flexural strength of PCCP when tested at mid-point.
Ans. – 4.50 Mpa
127. Sawing of joints of PCCP shall commence as soon as the concrete has hardened sufficiently,
usually ________.
Ans. – within 24 hrs.
128. The surface of the newly placed PCCP shall be cured for a period of
________.
Ans. – 72 hrs.
129. Used as load transfer device and are held in-position parallel to the centerline of the slab.
Ans. – dowels
130. Curing compound shall not be applied during ________.
Ans. – rain
131. Straw curing on PCCP shall be at least ________ thick which is measured after wetting.
Ans. – 20 cm.
132. The finished product of mixing aggregates with cement and water.
Ans. – concrete
133. Rate of increase in strength is ________ at high temperature than at low temperature.
Ans. – higher
134. Most specifications for concrete exposed to weathering require that water-cement ratio be
________ by weight.
Ans. – 0.53
135. Physical property of concrete that withstand deterioration due to exposure to weathering
action.
Ans. – durability
136. Over sanded and under sanded mixtures require more water in order to be workable, but
making it so will, only result in a sacrifice in:
Ans. – strength
137. The method commonly used to test on workability of concrete.
Ans. – ball penetration test
138. The new method used to test on workability of concrete and these tests are readily
made in the field.
Ans. – slump test
139. For rich mixes, the strength of ________ is the controlling factor.
Ans. – aggregates
140. Strength of concrete is principally dependent on the ________.
Ans. – water-cement ration

141. Class of concrete that is deposited in water.
Ans. – seal
142. Class of concrete used for pre-stressed concrete structure and its member.
Ans. – Class “P”
143. Class of concrete used in footings, missive pier shafts and unreinforced or with only a small
amount of reinforcement.
Ans. – Class “B”
144. Class of concrete used in thin reinforced sections like railings.
Ans. – Class “C”
145. Sampling of Portland cement should be done in accordance with AASHTO.
Ans. – T-127
146. One (1) Sieve Analysis for every ________ of concrete aggregates or a fraction thereof:
Ans. – 1,500 m3
147. A minimum weight of ________ sample shall be taken from each 2,000 bags of cement or
fraction thereof.
Ans. – 10 kg.
148. Class of concrete used to all superstructures and heavily reinforced substructures.
Ans. – Class “A”
REVIEW QUESTIONAIRE:
1. What is the dividing line between coarse and fine aggregates?
Ans. – 2.00 mm sieve
2. The depth of the weakened plain joint should at all times not less than:
Ans. – 50 mm
3. Serves as load transfer device and are held in position parallel to the surface and center line of the
slab by a metal device:
Ans. – dowel
4. The depth of corrugation in the surface pavement after brooming:
Ans. – 1.5 mm
5. The width of weakened joint should not be more than:
Ans. – 6 mm
6. The flexural strength of the concrete beam sample at 14 days when tested at third point method:
Ans. – 3.8 Mpa
7. What is the weight of class “A” Riprap stones:
Ans. – 15 kgs. to a maximum of 25 kgs. with at least 50% weighing 20 kgs.
8. The proportion of mix of mortar for grouted riprap shall be:
Ans. – one part of cement to 3 parts of sand

9. The practice of artificially densifying and incorporating and incorporating definite density into the
soil mass rolling, tampering or other means:
Ans. – compaction
10. The unit pressure greater than which progressive settlement will occurs leading o failure:
Ans. – bearing capacity
11. Specified or selected materials of designed thickness placed as foundation for pavement.
Ans. - base
12. The materials in excavation (cuts) embankment (fills) and embankment foundation immediate
below the layer of subbase, base or pavement and to such depth as may effect the structural
design:
Ans. – sub-grade materials
13. Specified or selected materials of designed thickness placed as a foundation for base:
Ans. – subbase
14. A widely used as control test in embankment construction to ensure adequate compaction:
Ans. – field density test
15. A sand used to measure the volume of test hole in FDT:
Ans. – calibrated sand
16. What item number is Portland Cement Concrete Pavement:
Ans. – item 311
17. What are the essential laboratory test for soil classification:
Ans. – grading plastic and liquid limit test
18. Provided along the slopes of high embankments as an erosion control measure and to improve the
stability of the side slopes;
Ans. – berm
19. What is the oven drying temperature for moisture content determination:
Ans. – 110 C + 5
20. What is the air drying temperature?
Ans. – not to exceed 60ºC
21. The primary quality control mechanism for the production of asphalt mixture:
Ans. – job-mix formula
22. The most commonly used method in the design and evaluation of bituminous concrete mixes:
Ans. – Marshall Stability Method
23. The most common method in determining the consistency of concrete mix:
Ans. – slump test
24. A Department Memorandum Circular, a revised method on FDT:
Ans. – DM No. 48
25. Interconnected cracks forming a series of small blocks resembling an alligator’s skin or chicken
wire:
Ans. – alligator cracks

26. A layer of an asphalt aggregate mixture of variable thickness used to eliminate irregularities in the
content of an existing surface prior to placement of an overlay:
Ans. – asphalt leveling course
27. An application of low-viscosity cutback to an absorbent surface or a mixed-in application of
emulsified asphalt. It is used only on untreated base prior to placement of an asphalt pavement.
Ans. – asphalt prime coat
28. A thin asphalt surface treatment used to waterproof and improve the texture of an asphalt wearing
surface.
Ans. - asphalt surface treatment
29. The upward movement of asphalt in an asphalt pavement resulting in the formation of a film of
asphalt on the surface.
Ans. – bleeding flushing asphalt
30. An application of asphalt materials to any type of road or pavement surface with or without a cover
of mineral aggregates that produce an increase in thickness of less than 25mm or 1 inch.
Ans. – asphalt surface treatment
31. The localized buckling or shattering of a rigid type pavement occurring usually at transverse crack
or joint.
Ans. – blow-up
32. A very light application of asphalt applied to an existing asphalt or Portland cement surface, used
to ensure a bond between the surface of being paved and the overlaying course.
Ans. – asphalt tack coat
33. A mixture of slow setting emulsified asphalt, water, aggregates and mineral filler produce to a
slurry consistency and placed on pavement surface.
Ans. – asphalt emulsion slurry seal
34. The separation of the pavement due to natural causes, traffic action or reflections from an
underlying pavement.
Ans. – crack
35. The bowl-shape holes of varying sizes in the pavement, resulting from localized disintegration.
Ans. – potholes
36. A crack in asphalt overlay that reflects the crack pattern in the pavement structure underneath.
Ans. – reflective cracks
37. The progressive separation of aggregate particles in a pavement from the surface downward or
from the edge inward.
Ans. – raveling
38. A crack sometimes crescent shaped, that point in the direction of the trust of the wheels on the
pavement surface caused by lack of bond between two pavement layer.
Ans. – slippage cracks
39. Any condition that might contribute to making a pavement slippery.
Ans. – skid hazard
40. The uniform rate of flow of concrete when poured.
Ans. – 15 to 20 cu.m. per hour

41. Used to evaluate the potential strength of soil aggregate.
Ans. – CBR
42. Test used to determine the hardness property of course aggregates.
Ans. – abrasion test
43. Test which gives an indication of clay content soil.
Ans. – plasticity index
44. The soaked CBR value for Item 200(subbase) at maximum dry density is:
Ans. – not less than 25%
45. The soaked CBR value for Item 201(base course) at maximum dry density is:
Ans. – not less than 80%
46. The mass percent of wear of course aggregates for base materials by Los Angeles Abrasion Test.
Ans. – not more than 50 %
47. The stones used for stone masonry shall have a thickness of not less than:
Ans. – 150mm
48. The rate of loading for compressive strength:
Ans. – 20-50 psi / sec.
49. The temperature for moist curing of specimen that gives the best result.
Ans. – 15.5 C to 37.5 C
50. The maximum size to course aggregates required for Item 311 (PCCP)
Ans. – 2 ½ inches (63mm)
51. A program of quality control works to be complied by the contractor is prepared by DPWH.
Ans. – quality control program
52. Prescribed in each project based on estimated quantities. The requirements specify the kind and
number of test for each item of works.
Ans. – minimum testing requirements
53. Memorandum Circular No. hereby directed that all materials men incharge in a said project keep a
logbook on materials quality control.
Ans. – MC #80
54. A department order hereby directed that only test report issued by the regional/district laboratories
of the department and other testing laboratories accredited by the DPWH shall be allowed to be
used in the acceptance or rejection of construction materials.
Ans. – D.O. # 135
55. A department order, hereby directed, no acceptance and final payment shall be made on completed
concrete and asphalt pavements unless core test for thickness determination is conducted.
Ans. – D.O. # 119
56. A number of measurements for concrete core specimen.
Ans. – 9
57. A number of measurements for asphalt core specimen.
Ans. – 4

58. A test covers the quantitative determination of bitumen in hot mixed paving mixtures and
pavement samples for specification acceptance, service evaluation, control and research.
Ans. – extraction test
59. The permitted variations in design requirements of aggregates subbase materials on surface
irregularity measured by a 3m straight edge.
Ans. – 20mm
60. The permitted variations in design requirements of aggregates base materials on cross fall or
camber.
Ans. – 0.20%
61. If the required thickness for subbase or base is 150mm or less, this maybe spread and compacted
in.
Ans. – 1 layer
62. The in-place-density (tested by AASHTO-T-191) of each layer should consistently.
Ans. – at least 95% of the MDD
63. The maximum sieve opening for grading requirement of aggregate base course.
Ans. 50mm
64. The bituminous prime coat materials should be applied by a pressure distributor at specified
temperature and at an application rate ranging from:
Ans. – 1 to 2 liters / sq.m.
65. The rate of application for bituminous tack coat materials (item 302) ranging from:
Ans. – 0.2 to 0.7 liters / sq.m.
66. The P.I. for mineral filler used for Hot Plant Mix Bituminous Pavement:
Ans. – not greater than 6
67. The gradation requirement used for Hot Mix Bituminous Pavement.
Ans. – grading d
68. The placing temp. for bituminous mixture measured in the truck prior to dumping.
Ans. – should not be less than 107 ºC
69. How many samples or core drilled samples be taken for each days full operation.
Ans. – at least one, but not more than 3
70. Unsuitable materials are soils with a liquid limit exceeding.
Ans. – 80
71. Unsuitable materials are soils with natural water content exceeding.
Ans. – 80
72. Materials containing detrimental quantities of organic material such as grass, roots, sewerage
highly organic soils such as peat and muck.
Ans. – unsuitable materials
73. The fraction passing the 0.425mm (No.40) sieve for Item 200 shall have a liquid limit of:

76. The fraction passing the 0.425mm (No.40) sieve for Item 202 shall have a liquid limit as
determined by AASHTO T-89
77. The fraction passing the 0.425mm (No.40) sieve for Item 200 shall have a plasticity index of:
80. The coarse portion, retained on a 2.00mm (No.10) sieves for Item 201 shall have a mass percent
of wear by the Los Angeles Abrasion Tests as determined by AASHTO – T96.
Ans. – not exceeding 50
of wear by the Los Angeles Abrasion Tests.
82. The materials passing the 19mm sieves for Item 202 shall have a soaked CBR value tested
according to AASHTO T-193.
Ans. – 25% minimum
83. The materials passing the 19mm sieves for Item 201 shall have a soaked CBR value tested
according to AASHTO T-193.
84. The materials passing the 19mm sieves for Item 202 shall have a soaked CBR value of:
of wear by the Los Angeles Abrasion Tests of:
ASPHALT TECHNOLOGY
1. The primary control mechanism for the production of asphalt mixture
2. The most common used method in the design and evaluation of bituminous concrete mixes.
Ans. – Marshall Common Method
3. A layer of an asphalt aggregate mixture of variable thickness used to eliminate irregularities in the
cement of an existing surface prior to placement of an overlay.
Ans. – asphalt leveling course
4. An application of low-viscosity cutback to an absorbent surface, or mixed in application of
emulsified asphalt. It is used only on untreated base prior to placement of an asphalt pavement.
Ans. – asphalt prime coat

5. A thin asphalt surface treatment used to waterproof and improve the texture of an asphalt wearing
surface.
Ans. – asphalt seal cost
6. The upward movement of asphalt in an asphalt pavement resulting in the information of film of
asphalt on the surface.
Ans. – bleeding of flushing asphalt
7. An application of asphalt materials to any type of road or pavement surface with or without a cover
of mineral aggregates that produce an increase in thickness of less than 25mm or 1 inch.
Ans. – asphalt surface treatment
8. The localized buckling or shattering of a rigid – type pavement, occurring usually at transverse
crack or joint.
Ans. – blow-up
9. A very light application of asphalt applied to an existing asphalt or Portland cement surface, used
to ensure a bond between the surface of being paved and the overlaying course.
Ans. – asphalt track coat
10. The separation of the pavement due to natural causes, traffic action, or reflections from an
underlaying pavement.
Ans. – crack
11. The bowl-shape holes of varying sizes in the pavement, resulting from localized disintegration.
Ans. – potholes
12. A crack in asphalt overlays that reflects the crack pattern in the pavement structure underneath.
Ans. – reflective cracks
13. The progressive separation of aggregate particles in a pavement from the surface downward of
from the edge inward.
Ans. – raveling
14. A cracks sometimes crescent shaped that point in the direction of the trust of the wheels on the
pavement surface caused by lack of bond between two pavement layers.
Ans. – slippage cracks
15. Any condition that might contribute to making a pavement slippery.
Ans. – skid hazard
16. A department Order, hereby directed, No acceptance and final payment shall be made on
completed concrete and asphalt pavement unless core test for thickness determination is
conducted.
Ans. – DO # 119
17. A number of measurements for asphalt core specimen.
Ans. – 2
18. A test covers the quantitative determination of bitumen in hot mixed paving mixtures and
pavement samples for specification acceptance, service, service evaluation, control and research.
19. The bituminous Prime Coat materials should be applied by a pressure distributor at specified
temperature and at an application rate ranging from
Ans. – 1 to 2 liters/m2

20. The rate of application for Bituminous Tack Coat materials (Item 302) ranging from
Ans. – 0.2 to 0.7 liters/m2
21. The graduation requirement used for Hot Mix Bituminous Pavement
Ans. – grading D
22. The placing temperature for Bituminous mixture measured in the truck prior to dumping
Ans. – should not be less than 107 ºC
23. How many samples or core drilled samples be taken for each days full operation
Ans. – at least one, but more than 3
24. The solvent used to test on residue from distillation at 288ºC of asphalt materials
Ans. – trichloroethylene
25. At least three (3) weeks prior to production, the contractor shall submit in writing ________ for
each mixture supported by laboratory test data
26. Determines the thickness and density of compacted asphalt pavement
Ans. – core test
27. Sampling of PCCP/asphalt core specimens shall be taken form the pavement using
Ans. – core drill
28. Size of asphalt core specimen for thickness and density determination
Ans. – at least 150mm x 150mm (6 in. x 6 in.)
100mm diameter full depth
29. The diameter of asphalt core specimens shall be at least equal to
Ans. - four (4) times the maximum size of aggregates
30. The thickness of asphalt core specimens shall be at least equal to
Ans. – one and one-half times the maximum size of aggregates
31. Obtaining asphalt core specimens for each full days operation shall be
Ans. – at least one (1) but not more than three (3) core samples
32. Determining the thickness of asphalt core specimens is by
Ans. – averaging the four sides of the core samples
33. Bituminous mixture will be measured by
Ans. – tons
34. The average of ________ measures are made on the asphalt core specimens in determining the
thickness
Ans. – four (4)
35. in bituminous mixture ________ will not be permitted as a method of measurement
Ans. – batch weights
36. The average of four measurements on the asphalt core specimen is to determine the
Ans. – thickness
37. The computation for the quantity of bituminous mixture, are the ff:
Given:
Paving length represented, m = 120.000

Thickness; cm = 5.000
Width, m = 3.050
Total length of pavement, m= 380.000
Density, gm/cm3
= 2.221
Ans. – 40.64 tons
38. Main constituents of asphalt which is found in nature or as residue in petroleum refining
Ans. – bitumen
39. Asphalt is a dark ________ cementations material, solid or semi-solid consistency.
Ans. – brown to black
40. Sampling bituminous mixes is one (1) sample for every
Ans. – 75 cu.m. or 130 m.t.
41. Sampling of asphalt is one (1) sample for every
Ans. – 200 drums or 40 m.t.
42. Sampling of solid asphalt is one (1) sample for every
Ans. – 10 lbs.
43. Representative quantity of one (1) sample in sampling liquid asphalt is ________ sample for every
Ans. – 1 quart to 1 gallon
44. During the breakdown rolling of asphalt mix, it is carried out by
Ans. – steel wheeled roller
45. In rolling asphalt mix, what phase of rolling is to remove the marks by the other rollers
Ans. – final rolling
46. A consistency test for solid asphalt that determines the hardness of asphalt
Ans. – penetration
47. The properties of asphalt depends upon this _______ substance which is soluble in petroleum
solvents as N-phases
Ans. – petrolene
48. Imparts ductility high breakpoint
Ans. – asphaltine
49. Apparatus used in Penetration Test of asphalt
Ans. – Penetrometer
50. Apparatus used in ductility Test as asphalt
Ans. – Ductility Machine
51. Apparatus used in Flash Point Test of asphalt
Ans. – Cleveland Open Cup
52. The objective is to determine as economical blend between graded aggregates and asphalt in order
to produce a pavement that would meet the required specification.
53. Asphalt cement with water and a little amount of emulsifier, usually derivatives of salt
Ans. – emulsified asphalt

54. Asphalt cement mixed with kerosene, block in color and liquid at room temperature
Ans. – medium curing cutback asphalt
55. Which kind of Emulsified Asphalt that is negatively charge
Ans. – Anionic Asphalt
56. Cutback asphalt can be classified according to each ________.
Ans. – viscosity
57. Asphalt cement can be determined or classified by their ________.
Ans. – Penetration Grade
58. What kind of asphalt used for joint fillers?
Ans. – Blown or Oxidized Asphalt
59. What kind of asphalt that is mixed with a solvent?
Ans. – cutback asphalt
60. What physical test that determines if the asphalt is overheated during production?
Ans. – spot test
61. What kind of asphalt cement that are commonly used in the Philippines?
Ans. – 60 to 70 or 85 to 100
62. What test that will determine if the asphalt is a good binder?
Ans. – ductility test
63. Which of the ff. is not an important property aggregates?
Ans. – smoothness
64. What property of mix that has the ability to resist deformation form an imposed load?
Ans. – stability
65. What property of mix that has the ability to withstand repeated flexing caused by the passage of
wheel load?
Ans. – fatigue resistance
66. In Marshall Stability Test, which of the criteria not included in determining the average bitumen
content?
Ans. – flow
67. Specific for Air Voids is ________.
Ans. - 3.0 to 5.0
68. Given: Maximum Stability = 6.05 Bulk Specific Gravity = 2.495 Maximum
Unit Weight = 5.55 Stability = 1.150
Flow = 5.65 Flow, 025mm = 7.20
Design Air Voids = 5.20 VFA = 75.00
Determine the Optimum Asphalt Content?
Ans. – 5.60
69. What property of mix that has the ability to offer resistance to slipping or skidding when mix?
Ans. – skid resistance
70. Given: Weight of Sample in Air = 1,188
Weight of Sample in Water = 700

Weight of Sample in Saturated Dry = 1,230
Specific Gravity of Asphalt = 2.48
Specific Gravity of Aggregates = 2.55
Determine the Bulk Specific Gravity of Mix?
Ans. – 2.24
71. Given: Specific Gravity of Asphalt = 1.01
Specific Gravity of Aggregates = 2.72
% Asphalt Content = 7%
% Air Voids = 4%
Determine the Maximum Theoretical Specific Gravity considering Air Void?
Ans. – 2.43
72. What property of mix that has the ability to bend slightly without cracking and to conform to
gradual settlement and movements of the base and sub-grade?
Ans. – flexibility
73. Mineral filler shall have a plasticity index of not greater than ________.
Ans. – 4
74. The prime coat should not be disturbed for at least ________ hrs. and should not be ________ to
traffic until it has penetrated and cured efficiency.
Ans. – 24 opened
75. Emulsified Asphalt is c colloidal dispersion of asphalt in water. It is ________ colored before use
and turns ________ when the emulsion is broken.
Ans. – chocolate, black
76. Bituminous materials should fall with what range of tolerance?
Ans. – (+/-) 0.4%
77. Temperature of mixture shall have a range of tolerance of ________.
Ans. – (+/-) 10ºC
78. Given: Dry Stability = 1,600
Wet Stability = 1,400
Saturated Stability = 1,200
Determine the Index of retained Strength.
Ans. – 87.50%
79. What is the initial load employed in stability machine?
Ans. – 150 psi
80. What is a small air space that occurs between the coated aggregates particles in a compacted mix?
Ans. – Air Voids
81. The compacted pavement shall have a density equal to, or greater than, ________ mass percent of
the density of laboratory specimen prepared in accordance with the ________.
Ans. – 90- Marshall Stability Test
82. What is the measure of the resistance or measure of distortion of the specimen?
Ans. – flow index
83. Given: % of CA, FA, MF respectively = 45, 35, 20

Sp. Gr. Of CA, FA, MF respectively = 2.75, 2.56, 2.40
What is the specific gravity of aggregates?
Ans. – 2.61
84. What do you call the wearing away of the pavement surface caused by the dislodging of aggregate
particle?
Ans. – raveling
85. The upward movement in an asphalt pavement resulting in the formation of a film of asphalt on the
surface _______.
Ans. – bleeding
86. What is the longitudinal surface depression of the wheel paths?
Ans. – rutting
87. Given: Weight of original sample = 1,140 grams
Weight after Extraction = 980 grams
Original Weight of filler ring = 30 grams
Increase of Weight in filler ring = 30 grams
Determine the asphalt content?
Ans. – 5.55
88. For the same stretch of road, no core test was conducted at the end of each days operation. Thus,
cores were taken for every 100 linear meters of the completed pavement.
100 m 5.3 2.262
100 m 5.1 2.311
100 m 5.1 2.225
100 m 5.2 2.237
100 m 5.0 2.226
What is the quantity?
Ans. – 169.72
89. The specimen is tested for stability and flow at ________ ºC as specified in the standard procedure
Ans. – 30 ºC
90. In the design of Air Voids, will draw down a line at ________.
Ans. – 4.0
91. Which of the ff. is not the component of Asphalt Plant?
92. During asphalt construction, what are the controlled tests?
- stability
- grading
93. What is the apparatus used to check the temperature of asphalt mix/
Ans. – Armored Thermometer
94. What do you call the localized upward displacement of a pavement due to swelling of the sub-grade
or some portion of the pavement structure?
Ans. – upheaval

95. What do you call the slab movement under passing loads resulting in the ejection of mixtures of
water, sand, clay or silt along transverse or longitudinal joints?
Ans. – pumping
96. What is the Item number of Bit Concrete Surface Course, 1 lot laid?
Ans. - 310
SET TWO
1. The standard penetration test (SPT) is an in-situ test that measures what?
Ans. – depth of soil layer
2. Which of the ff. bituminous material is best recommended for sealing weakened plane joints?
Ans. – joint filler asphalt (commonly called hard asphalt or blown asphalt)
3. The main problem associated with wrong practice of conveying concrete is called what?
Ans. – segregation
4. The specification call for 1:2:4 concrete mix. In a one bagger mixer, which of the ff. amount of
water is most likely required for the mix?
Ans. – 20 liters
5. A one lane road, with a pavement was designed to have subbase and base courses with a
combined thickness of 300mm. If the thickness of the subbase is a 125mm, the spreading and
compaction of the subbase and base courses shabby be earned out in:
Ans. – 3 layers over the full width of 4.5 m.
6. As materials engineer, what is the area of the trial section that you would recommend to check the
suitability of the materials and efficiency of the equipment to be used for Item 310 Bituminous
Ans. – about 500 sq.m.
7. Per program of work, the estimated volume of Item 201 materials is 7500 cu.m. How many
grading and plasticity tests are required based on the DPWH minimum testing requirements?
Ans. – 25 grading and 25 plasticity
8. Bituminous concrete mixes contain asphalt by weight equivalent to what?
Ans. – 5 to 8 %
9. Quality of factory produced reinforced concrete pipes may be best established through what?
Ans. – Test of concrete pipe samples
10. Where do we take additional cores when the measurement of any core taken from the pavement is
deficient in thickness by more than 25mm?
Ans. – at no less than 5 meter intervals parallel to the centerline in each direction
from the affected location
11. The results of the Immersion-Compression test conducted on an asphalt mix sample are as follows:
Dry Stability = 2,000 Kpa
Wet Stability = 1,000 Kpa
What is the resulting Index of Retained strength? Does it meet the specification requirement of
Item 310, Bituminous Concrete Surface Course?
Ans. –
Index Retained Strength or IRS = Wet stability x 100

Dry stability
= (1,000 Kpa/,000 Kpa) x 100
IRS = 50%
*No, it does not meet the specification of Item 310 since the specification of IRS is 70% minimum
while the resulting IRS here is only 50%.
12. Quality Control testing in a DPWH project is the responsibility of the ________?
Ans. – Contractor Material Engineers
13. As materials engineers, when is the right time to start sampling and testing aggregate of the
course materials?
Ans. – before the course materials be incorporated in the project
14. The spot test on asphalt is used to determine what?
Ans. – overheating during manufacture
15. Under what climatic conditions do we use the lower penetration grade or hard asphalt?
16. Sampling of the freshly mixed concrete should be taken on the ________ batch discharge of the
transit mixer?
Ans. – middle
17. Soft and unstable soils were encountered during the course of sub-grade preparation. If you were
the materials engineer assigned to the project, what is the most effective and cheaper method that
you would recommend to stabilize the soil prior to the construction of the sub base course?
Ans. – geotextiles
18. How many times per layer should a concrete specimen molded in a 6”x6”x12” beam mold be
rodded?
Ans. – 63 times
19. What is the basis for acceptance or rejection of any construction materials?
Ans. – Materials Test Reports
20. In testing concrete cylinder sample the load applied should be continuous without shock at a
constant rate within the range of ________ per second.
Ans. – 0.14 to 0.34 Mpa per second or 20 to 50 psi per second
21. During the application of the first half of the anticipated load a loading shall be permitted.
Ans. – higher rate
22. Initial rolling in bituminous mixes shall be performed with a ________ roller.
Ans. – Pneumatic Tire Roller
23. Final rolling in bituminous mixes shall be performed with a ________ roller.
Ans. – 3 wheel or tandem type steel wheel roller
24. Rolling of Bituminous mix shall be discontinued whenever it begins to produce excessive ________
or ________.
Ans. – pulverizing of the aggregate or displacement of the mixture
25. Final rolling shall be continued until roller marks are eliminated and a minimum ________ mass
percent of the density of the laboratory compacted a specimen prepared in accordance with
AASHTO T160 has been obtained.

26. Sample from compacted bituminous mix shall be neatly cut by a saw or core drill. Each sample
shall be at least ________.
Ans. – 150mm x 150mm or 100mm diameter full depth
27. For surface tolerances the surface (bituminous mix) will be checked by the used of a ________ at
sites selected by the engineer.
Ans. – 3 –m straight edge
28. What is the sampling requirement for paving concrete for every 75 cu.m. or fraction thereof.
Ans. – one (1) set (consisting of 3 pcs.) concrete beam sample
29. In testing bituminous beam sample for Immersion-Compression Stability is soaked in water bath
for ________ days.
Ans. – 4 days or 96 hrs.
30. Given:
Wt. of dry aggregate = 950g
Wt. of asphalt = 50g
What is the % of asphalt by weight of total mix?
Ans. – Wt. of total mix = wt. of dry aggregate. + wt. of asphalt
= 950 g + 50 g
= 1,500 g
Thereof: (50 g / 1,000 g) x 100 = 5 %
31. Does the percent asphalt in problem #29 meet the required specification for percent asphalt in
bituminous mixes? Why?
Ans. – Yes, because standard specification for percent asphalt in bituminous mixes
is 5% to 8%
32. If the actual percent asphalt in problem #30 is 5% and the percent asphalt in a job-mix formula is
5.6% did it pass the required tolerance? Why?
Ans. – No, because the required tolerance for % asphalt in a job-mix formula is 1-0.4%.
33. Which is not the duty or responsibility of a materials engineer?
Ans. – quantity of construction material
34. Which is the duty or responsibility of a materials engineer?
Ans. – quality of construction material
35. Problems regarding quality of construction materials shall be reported directly by the contractor’s
materials engineer to the ________.
Ans. – DPWH Materials Engineer
36. How many concrete cylinder sample is required for a 300 pcs. Reinforced Concrete Culvert Pipes
(RCCP)?
Ans. – 12 sets (consisting of 3 pcs. cone, cylinder per set)
37. If concrete cylinder is not available for a 300 pcs. culvert pipes, how many pipes shall be subjected
to test?
Ans. – 6 pcs, culvert pipes
38. What kind of test that requires calibrated sand in filling the hole in order to determine the volume
of hole?
Ans. – Field Density Test (FDT)

39. What test that is using a rammer and mold?
Ans. – Moisture-Density Relation Test or Compaction Test
40. What kind of asphalt that has a penetration grade of 0 to 30 mm?
Ans. – Blown Asphalt
41. If there is a necessary to add water to the concrete mix in order to increase its workability (provide
concrete does not exceed specified slump), how many minutes after the initial time of mixing does
adding water be permitted?
Ans. – not exceeding 45 minutes and that water-cement ration is not exceeded
SET THREE
Item 310 – Bituminous Concrete Surface Course, Hot Laid
Item 310 consist of constructing a Bituminous Concrete Surface Course composed of
Aggregates, mineral filler and bituminous material mixed in a certain plant.
1. What is the % weight of aggregates (coarse, fine and mineral filler) in the mixture of Bituminous
Ans. – 92% to 95%
2. What is the percent weight of asphalt in the bituminous mixture?
Ans. – 5% to 8%
3. How can we establish the exact percentage to be used in the bituminous mixture?
4. What are the two (2) types of bitumen that are commonly used in bituminous concrete surface
course?
Ans. – a.) Tar – is a viscous liquid obtained from distillation of coal or wood
b.) Petroleum asphalt – are the products of the distillation of crude oil.
5. What are the three (3) major petroleum asphalt products?
Ans. – a.) Asphalt Cement – produced in various viscosity grades the most common
Penetration grade are 200/300,120/150,85/100,60/70,40/50
b.) Cutback Asphalt – are asphalt mixed with solvents to reduce their viscosity
c.) Emulsified Asphalt (Asphalt emulsion) – are mixture of asphalt cement and
water with emulsifying agent.
6. What are the solvents for cutback asphalt?
Ans. – a.) gasoline for rapid curing (RC) type
b.) kerosene for medium curing (MC) type
c.) diesel fuel for slow curing (SC) type
7. Emulsified asphalts are either ________ or ________.
Ans. – a.) cationic emulsion - which work better with wet aggregates and in cold
weather.
b.) anionic emulsion – which adhere better to aggregates which have positive
charges.
8. What is the bituminous material commonly used in Item 310?
Ans. – Asphalt Cement (AC)
9. What greatly influenced the service of an asphalt pavement?
Ans. – grade and quantity of asphalt

10. What influenced primarily the grade of asphalt selected?
Ans. – climatic condition
11. The lower penetration grade or hard asphalt is used in ________?
12. The higher penetration grade or softer asphalt is used in ________?
Ans. – cold climate
13. How many weeks do a producer of asphalt mix or the contractor’s shall submit the job-mix
formula?
Ans. – three (3) weeks prior to production
14. Who will approve the job-mix formula?
Ans. – DPWH Project Engineer and Materials Engineer
15. The job-mix formula contains provisions on the ff.:
Ans. – a.) grading of aggregates
b.) percentage and type of asphalt
c.) temperature of aggregates and asphalt
d.) temperature of mixture upon delivery or a time of compaction
16. What is the primary quality control mechanism for the production of asphalt mixture?
Ans. – job-mix formula which shall conform to the ff. ranges of tolerance:
Passing No.4 and larger sieves ± 7%
Passing No.8 and No.100 sieves ± 4%
Passing No.200 sieves ± 2%
Bituminous materials ± 0.4%
Temperature of mixture ± 10 ºC
17. What is the minimum dry compressive strength of the mixture?
Ans. – 1.4 Mpa ( 200 psi )
18. The mixture shall have a mass percent air voids with the range of ________?
Ans. – 3.0%
19. What is the Index of Retained Strength of the mixture?
20. What is the most commonly used method in the design and evaluation of bituminous concrete
mixes?
Ans. – Marshall Stability Method
21. The quality control tests for asphalt mix are the ff.:
Ans. – a.) Immersion Compression Test – determines the Index of Retained Strength of
the mix.
b.) Extraction and Grading Test – determines the asphalt contains and particle
size distribution of coarse and fine aggregates
c.) Laboratory Density Test – determines the degree and compaction
22. What is the correct temperature that the mixture shall be placed as measured in the truck just
prior to dumping into the spreader?
Ans. – 107 ºC
23. When Tar is used, what is the temperature that the mixture shall be placed?
Ans. – 66 ºC to 107 ºC

24. When the compaction is be done in order to attain the required density?
Ans. – when the mixture is still hot and workable
25. What is to be done in order to determine the number of passes that would attain the required
density?
Ans. – trial section
26. What control during the mixing and compaction is of great significance in the strength of the
resulting pavement?
Ans. – temperature
27. What kind of roller should be used for the initial or breakdown compaction?
Ans. – Pneumatic Tire Roller (not less than 10 tons)
28. For the final compaction and smoothing what kind of roller must be used?
Ans. – Tandem smooth wheeled roller (not less than 10 tons)
29. What is the speed of the roller?
Ans. – 5 kms./hour
30. How the rolling is be done?
Ans. – It should begin from the sides and proceed longitudinally parallel toward the
road center line, each trip overlapping one half of the roller’s width.
31. After the final rolling what should be check?
Ans. – Degree of Compaction
32. The compacted pavement shall have a density equal to or greater than ________?
Ans. – 95% of the laboratory compacted density
33. When the traffic is be permitted to enter the pavement?
Ans. – when the pavement has cooled to atmospheric temperature
34. How many samples shall be taken for each full day’s operation?
Ans. – at least one but not more than three (3) core samples
35. What is the dimension of the samples taken full depth from the finished pavement for thickness
determination?
Ans. – 150mm x 150mm or 100mm diameter
36. How is the sample taken form the finished pavement?
Ans. – core drill or saw
37. How the surface level of the finished pavement is be checked?
Ans. – by the used of 3m straight edge
38. The variation of the surface from the testing edge of the straight-edge between contacts with the
surface shall not exceed.
Ans. – 6mm
39. What determines the thickness and density of compacted asphalt pavement?
Ans. – core test
ITEM 311

40. What is the strength requirement (Flexural Strength) of a concrete when tested by third point
loading method?
Ans. – 3.8 Mpa (550 psi)
41. If No, 40 are tested by midpoint method what is the strength requirements?
Ans. 4.5 Mpa (650 psi)
42. What is the compressive strength of the PCCP (Portland Cement Concrete Pavement) when tested
at 14 days?
Ans. – 24.1 Mpa (3500 psi)
43. What is the slump of a workable concrete if not vibrated?
Ans. – 40-75mm
*if vibrated the slump is 10-40mm
44. What kind of forms are to be used in item 311?
Ans. – steel forms and on depth equal to the thickness of the pavement
45. How long shall the forms remain undisturbed after concrete pouring?
Ans. – 24 hrs.
46. When concrete is mixed in a central mixing plant how many seconds is the mixing time?
Ans. – not less than 50 seconds or more than 90 seconds
47. In transporting concrete what is the time elapsed from the time water added to the mix until the
concrete is deposited in place at the site?
Ans. – it shall not exceed 45 minutes if hauled in non agitating trucks and 90 minutes
when hauled in truck mixers or truck agitators.
48. How is concrete consolidated?
Ans. – by the used of vibrator inserted in the concrete vertically
49. How many seconds does the vibrator be operated in one location?
Ans. – 15 seconds
50. What kind of sample should be taken on a concrete pavement?
Ans. – concrete beam sample
51. How many sets of sample shall be taken from 330 sq.m. of pavement?
Ans. – 1 set consisting of 3 concrete beam tests specimens or fraction thereof
52. If the lanes are concreted separately, what kind of joint in a form of key or keyway is used?
Ans. – longitudinal construction joint
53. What kind of bars are placed perpendicular to the joint stated in no..52?
Ans. – deformed steel tie bars
54. What is the other name of transverse contraction joint?
Ans. – weaken planed joint
55. What is the depth of the weaken plane joint when sawed with a concrete saw?
Ans. – not less than 50mm
56. The width of the weaken plane joint is ________?
Ans. – not more than 6mm

57. When is the right time to saw the weaken plane joint?
Ans. – within 24 hrs. as soon as concrete has hardened sufficiently
58. What shall be done if cracks appear at or near the joint prior to the time of sawing?
Ans. – sawing shall be omitted
59. Tie bars shall not be coated or painted with ________?
Ans. – asphalt or other materials
60. What is the metal device that is used as a load transfer device held in a position parallel to the
surface and center line of the slab of pavement?
Ans. – dowels
61. To protect dowels from corrosion and to facilitate sliding in concrete, it shall be coated with
_________?
Ans. – thin film of bitumen
62. The surface of the pavement shall be roughened by means of ________?
Ans. – brooming
63. What is the depth of the corrugate produced by brooming in the surface of the pavement?
Ans. – 1.5mm
64. The surface of the newly placed concrete when it is sufficiently set shall be cured for a period of
________?
Ans. – 72 hrs.
65. The curing of the pavement is done on the ff.
Ans. – by covering the concrete with mats saturated with water
- thoroughly wetting the pavement
- by ponding
- by applying curing compound immediately after finishing of the
surface
66. When the right time is the joint be sealed?
Ans. – after the curing period or before it is opened to traffic
67. What is the Item 504 in a DPWH specification?
Ans. – Grouted Riprap
68. What is Item 505 in a DPWH specification?
Ans. – Stone Masonry
69. What is the difference between Item 504 & 505?
Ans. – placement of stone or boulders and the ration of cement and fine sand.
70. What is the ration of fine aggregates to cement number of bags for grout in Item 505 & 505?
Ans. – for Item 504, it is 1 part cement 3 parts fine sand (1:3)
- for Item 505, it is 1 part cement 2 parts fine sand (1:2)

SET FOUR
1. What is the latest state of the art equipment containing a radioactive material which is
commonly used in the compaction control of earth and asphalt road construction and in the
measurement of moisture content?
Ans. – nuclear density gauge (NDG)
2. What is the instrument that is used for examining the quality of rigid materials such as rocks
and concrete? (This instrument or equipment is a non-destructive portable instrument with
dimensions of 110 x 180 x 160mm and the main uses include the determination of concrete
strength (either in-situ or pre-cast0, also to determine the presence of voids, cracks and other
imperfections.)
Ans. – pundit ultrasonic concrete tester
3. What is the instrument or equipment used for surface test of concrete and asphalt pavements
as soon as the asphalt mix has been initially compacted?
Ans. – 3-meter straight-edge
4. ________ is an instrument used to measure pavement deflections resulting from vehicle wheel
loadings. The results of the elastic deformation tests are used to evaluate the structural
conditions of roads, and to help in the design of road strengthening measures and road capacity
improvements.
Ans. – Benkelman Beam and Deflection Logger
5. ________ is a manually-operated device for deriving a measurement of roughness from the
surface profile, which may be expressed in terms of International Roughness Index (IRI)
Ans. – MERLIN Road Roughness Measuring Device
6. What is the instrument that is used to pinpoint rebar’s, conduits, pipes, nails and other metals
embedded in concrete before cutting or drilling?
Ans. – rebar locator
7. ________ is equipment which is used to measure differential deflections between joints of a
concrete pavement, to determine the modulus of the existing slabs for use in the design of an
overlay, and to estimate the remaining life of an existing pavement.
Ans. – falling weight deflectometer
8. ________ is used for the rapid in-situ measurement of the structural properties of existing with
unbound granular materials.
Ans. – Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP)
9. In the construction of bridge projects, what is the method used to determine the casting length
of the regular piles?
Ans. – test piling
10. What is the thinnest cut-back asphalt?
Ans. – MC-3,000
SET FIVE
1. The concrete pavement surface shows high spots of 15mm in a 3-meter straight edge. The
concrete in the area represented by these high spots.
Ans. - shall be removed and replaced

* but if high spots being noted exceeds 3mm, but not exceeding
12mm it shall be ground down only.
2. Steel bars placed along longitudinal joints to hold the adjoining slabs together are called:
Ans. – tie bars
3. Which of the ff. is authorized to test materials for use in DPWH projects?
Ans. – any DPWH – accredited private testing laboratory
4. To check the gradation of aggregates and the asphalt content of laid bituminous concrete mixture,
it shall be sampled and tested for:
5. For each full day’s operation, how many asphalt core samples must be taken for thickness
determination?
Ans. – at least one but not more than three core samples
6. Moisture density relation test determines:
Ans. – maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of soil
7. Thickness of in-placed sub-base coarse can be determined by:
Ans. – test pitting
8. To determine the optimum moisture content of soil
Ans. – moisture density relation test
9. Soil stabilizing agent:
Ans. – lime- for silky and clayey soil
10. Type of emulsified asphalt that works better with wet aggregates and cold weather:
Ans. – cationic emulsion
11. Water content at which passes form plastic to liquid state.
Ans. – liquid limit
12. Another name of hot asphalt.
Ans. – asphalt cement
SET SIX
1. Portland cement concrete pavement is what Item in DPWH Spec’s.?
Ans. – Item 311
2. Concrete area represented by the cores will be considered adequate if the average strength is
equal to?
Ans. – 85% of the required strength
3. Lumber is considered as well – seasoned if the moisture content is ________?
Ans. – 12 – 18%
4. Soils can be classified according to grain size and plasticity?
Ans. – yes
5. Thickness determination for 1km concrete pavement. How many cores shall be taken?
Ans. – 5/lane

6. The resistance of bituminous mix to moisture damage is determined by ________.
Ans. – Index of Retained Strength (IRS)
7. The average compressive strength of a load bearing concrete hollow blocks is ________.
Ans. – 1,000 psi
8. Bleeding of asphalt in bituminous surface course means ________.
Ans. – over asphalt mix
9. What is the result of over vibration of concrete mix?
Ans. – segregation of aggregates
10. What is the corrected measurement for 23.6mm concrete core?
Ans. – 23.5mm
11. What are the other terms for particle size analysis?
Ans. – sieve analysis
- mechanical analysis
- grading test/analysis
12. What is liquid-limit?
Ans. – it is the lowest moisture content at which the soil will flow upon the application
of a very small shearing force
13. The liquid limit is expressed as the moisture content corresponding to what number of blows?
Ans. – 25 blows
14. What is plastic limit?
Ans. – it is the minimum moisture content at which the soil can be readily molded
without breaking or crumbling
15. What kind of water shall be used in laboratory test especially if it deals with chemicals?
Ans. – distilled water
16. Liquid limit brass cup with sample is raised and allowed to drop sharply on the base through a
height of what?
Ans. – 10mm
17. How many rotations per second will the crank of a liquid limit device are rotated?
Ans. – 2 rotations per second
18. In doing plastic limit tests to what diameter will the soil thread will begin to break?
Ans. – 3.2mm (1/8”)
19. What is the formula for plastic limit?
Ans. – PL= (Wa – Wb) / Wb x 100
where:Wa = orig.wt. Crumbled soil thread
Wb = wt. of oven-dried crumbled soil
20. What is the Plastic Index (PI)?
Ans. – it is the difference between the liquid limit and plastic limit
or PI = LL - PL
21. What is specific gravity?
Ans. – it is used in a gravimetric-volumetric relationship in soils, (or defined as the
ratio of the wt. in air of an equal volume of water at a stated temp.)

22. What is the approximate area for density control strips?
Ans. – 335 sq.m.
23. What is the maximum depth of roadway embankments per horizontal layer in loose measurement?
Ans. – 200mm (8”)
24. What item of work is embankment?
Ans. – Item 104
25. What is the kind of material use for Item 200?
Ans. – aggregate sub-base course
26. What is the required particle size for selected borrow for topping under Item 104 (embankment)?
Ans. – all particle size will pass a sieve 75mm or 3” square openings and not more
than 15% mass will pass 0.075mm (No.200) AASHTO T-11
27. P.I. requirement for Item 104 (selected common borrow) is what?
Ans. – 6 maximum
28. LL requirements for Item 104 (selected common borrow) are what?
Ans. – 30 maximum
29. What is the LL requirement for Item 200 (aggregate sub-base course) passing sieve #40?
Ans. – 35 maximum
30. P.I. requirement of materials passing sieve #40 for Item 200?
Ans. – 12 maximum
31. Coarse portion retained on sieve #10 (2.00mm) for Item 200 shall have a mass percent of wear by
Los Angeles abrasion test of what?
Ans. – 50% maximum
32. The required CBR value for Item 200?
Ans. – 25% minimum (AASHTO T-180 method D)
33. What is the minimum % field density or degree of compaction for Item 104 (embankment)?
34. What is the minimum degree of compaction for Item 200 and 201?
35. What is the highest point in moisture density curve of the moisture density relation test or
compaction test of soil represents?
Ans. – MDD (Maximum Dry Density) and OMC (Optimum Moisture Content)
36. What is the required size of calibrated sand used for Field Density Test?
Ans. – any clean, dry, free –flowing, uncemented sand passing #10 and retained
#200 sieves
37. What is the degree of compaction of soil having a maximum dry density 2,250 kg./cu.m. and wet
density of soil from hole equivalent to 2,335 kg./cu.m. and an average moisture content of 8.85%?
% Degree of Compaction = (Dry Density) / Max Dry Density) x 100
Where:
Dry Density = Wet Density / (1+MC/100)
Wet Density = Wt. of soil filled in hole/volume of hole

% Degree of Compaction = (1,335) / [1+ (8.85 / 100)]
2.250
= (2,145.15 / 2,250) x 100
= 95.34%
38. Is the soil for No.45 passed the Item 104 requirement for % Degree of Compaction?
Ans. – Yes
39. What are the test and number of test needed for 1,800 cu.m. Item 104?
G or Grading = 2
P or Plasticity = 2
C or Compaction = 2
D or Density = three in-situ density tests/500 sq.m.
40. What are the test and number of test needed for 2,980 cu.m. Aggregates Base Course (Item 201)?
G = 10
P = 10
C = 2
D = three in- situ density tests/500 sq.m.
CBR = 2 (1 test for every 2,500 cu.m. or fraction thereof)
Q = 2
41. What are the apparatus/materials uses for Field Density Test?
Ans. – sand cone, jug (at least 4 liters), guide plate, moisture cans, sand weighing
scale, oven with temperature control, chisel, or digging tools, plastic bags
and labeling materials (tag name)
42. What is the standard diameter of an orifice in FDT sand cone?
Ans. – ½ inch (12.7mm)
43. CHB is tested to determine its moisture content and ________.
Ans. – strength
44. Quality of Portland cement sent to the laboratory for testing.
Ans. – 10 kg.
45. A set of three beam samples is conducted representing ________ cu.m. of concrete.
Ans. – 75
46. Two major components of concrete: select two answers
Ans. – paste and mineral aggregates
47. Regardless of use, the grading of aggregates should be:
Ans. – uniform
48. The type of Portland cement used in DPWH projects.
Ans. – type 1
49. Determines the proportion of the ingredients that will produced concrete of proper workability when
fresh and the________.
Ans. – Design Mix
50. The maximum permissible water-cement ration for strength of 3,000 psi.
Ans. – 0.58
51. The consistency of concrete mixture is determined in the field by:
Ans. – slump test

52. For every 75 cu.m. of concrete poured, a minimum of ________ cylinder sample are taken in each
day of pouring.
Ans. – 3
53. When tested at 14 days, the compressive strength of concrete is
Ans. – 3,500 psi
54. Forms of concrete pavement shall not deviate from true line by more than ________ at any point.
Ans. – 1 cm
55. When hauled in non-agitating trucks, the time elapsed from the water is added to the mix until
concrete is deposited in placed shall not exceed ________.
Ans. – 45 minutes maximum
56. The depth of the weakened plane joint should at all times not less than
Ans. – 50 mm
57. Minimum compressive strength of concrete
Ans. – 2,400 psi
58. Transverse contraction joint is also called
Ans. – weakened plane joint
59. Vibrators shall not be operated longer than ________ in any one location.
Ans. – 15 seconds
CONCRETE AGGREGATES AND CONCRETE:
60. How many hours does a fine aggregates tested for specific gravity and absorption be soaked in
water?
Ans. – 15 to 19 hrs.
61. How to determine if the fine aggregates reaches the saturated surface dry condition?
Ans. – it is determine by the use of cone test for surface moisture and if the molded
shape of fine aggregates slumps slightly, it indicates that it has reached a
surface dry condition.
62. What are the tests required for concrete aggregates?
Ans. – a.) Fine Aggregates = grading, specific gravity, absorption, dry unit wt.
b.) Course Aggregates = grading, specific gravity, absorption, dry unit
wt. and abrasion
Note: soundness is also tested as per request.
63. What is the maximum mass % of wear by Los Angeles Abrasion Test?
Ans. – 40% maximum
64. What is the required speed of Los Angeles Abrasion Machine per minute?
Ans. – 30 to 33 mm
65. What is the size or diameter and weight of cast-iron spheres use in abrasion?
Ans. – approximately 46.8 mm diameter and each weighing between
390-455 grams

66. What is the required total wt. of sample for abrasion test of coarse aggregate, grading A with 12
numbers of spheres?
Ans. – 5,000 grams ±25 grams
67. What is the significance of abrasion test?
Ans. – it evaluates the structural strength of coarse aggregates
- gives an indication of quality as determined by resistance to impact and wear
- it determines whether the aggregates will have degradation during traffic of
rolling
68. Quality test for cement is represented by how many bags of cement?
Ans. – 2,000 bags or traction thereof
69. What is the sieve use in sieving materials form Abrasion Machine?
Ans. – sieve # 12 (1.70mm)
70. Testing machines should be calibrated once every six (6) months if possible but if it is not possible
what is the required time should the machine be calibrated?
Ans. – once a year
71. Percent tolerance of error in calibrating the machines.
Ans. - ± 1%
72. What is the sample for concrete pavement?
Ans. – concrete beam sample
73. How many samples should be taken for every 75 cu.m. fresh concrete?
Ans. – 3 pcs. sample or 1 set sample
74. What is the sample for structural concrete?
Ans. – concrete cylinder sample
75. What is the test use to determine the consistency of concrete?
Ans. – slump test
76. How to compute for the slump of concrete?
Ans. – slump = height of slump cone – height of fresh cone after subsidence
77. How to compute for the compressive strength of concrete cylinder sample?
CS = P
A where : P = load, lbs
A = area, sq. in
A = πD2
= 28.27 in sq
4
78. At what age should a concrete beam sample be tested for flexural test?
Ans. – 14 days
79. How to compute the flexural strength of concrete beam sample tested at third Point Loading?
R = PL
A where: R = modulus of rapture
= P (16’) P = load in lbs. of tons
6”x6”x6” L = span length in inches
= P B = base in inches
12 A = depth in inches

80. What is the minimum flexural strength for third point loading test?
Ans. – 3.8 Mpa (550 psi)
81. What is the minimum flexural strength for center point loading test?
Ans. – 4.5 Mpa (650 psi)
82. How to compute for flexural strength at center point loading test?
R = 3 PL
2 bd2
= 3 P (16)
2 (6) (6)
83. Which part of the batch for fresh concrete should the sample be taken from a stationary mixers,
revolving drum truck mixers or agitators?
Ans. – two or more regular intervals during discharge of middle portion of the batch
84. What is the size of the tamping rod use in sampling concrete?
Ans. – 16mm (5/8 inches) diameter and 610mm (24 inches) long with the tamping
end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the rod.
OTHER CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS:
85. Concrete masonry (hollow blocks) if subjected to test how many sample is required?
Ans. – 6 pcs. / 10,000 units * 12 pcs. if more than 10,000 units
86. What is the strength requirement for loading bearing concrete masonry units?
Ans. – individual = 5.5 Mpa (300 psi) minimum
average (for 3 samples) = 6.9 Mpa (1,000 psi) minimum
87. How about for non-load bearing concrete masonry units what is the required strength?
Ans. – individual = 3.45 Mpa (500 psi) minimum
average (for 3 samples) = 4.14 Mpa (600 psi) minimum
88. What is the significance of testing reinforcing steel bars?
Ans. – to determine the yield and tensile strength of the bar as well as its elongation
and is used to classify the bars into grade
89. What is the required length of RSB for testing?
Ans. – 1 meter / 10,000 kgs. / size / shipment
90. What is the significance of bending test for RSB?
Ans. – to evaluate the ductile properties of RSB
91. What is the required size of test specimen for G.I. Sheets?
Ans. – 60mm x 60mm (3 pcs. from one (1) sheet / 1,000 sheets
92. What is the required sample for paints?
Ans. – 1 can (gal. or pail) / 100 cans (gal. or pail)
93. What kind of paint that has a reflectance in the form of beads?
Ans. – reflectorized traffic plant
94. What is the common component of house paints?
Ans. – pigment and vehicle

95. What is this construction material that is dark brown to black cementations material in which the
predominating constituents are bitumen?
Ans. – asphalt
96. What asphalt is commonly called hot asphalt?
97. What is liquid asphalt?
Ans. – cut-back asphalt and emulsified asphalt
98. What is the use of blown asphalt or hard asphalt?
Ans. – use as joint filler or water proofing
99. SS-I or SS-IH is what kind of asphalt?
Ans. – slow setting emulsified asphalt
100. What are the three kinds of emulsified asphalt?
Ans. – rapid setting, medium setting, slow setting
101. What asphalt contains water?
Ans. – emulsified asphalt
102. What is the penetration grade for blown asphalt?
Ans. – 0 to 30
103. What is the ideal penetration grade of asphalt use in tropical regions?
Ans. – 85 to 100 (but some uses 60 to 70)
104. Tack coat is use in an existing bituminous of concrete pavement. True or false?
Ans. – true
105. What is the rate of application for bituminous tack coat?
Ans. – 0.2 to 0.7 L/m2
106. What is the required size of test specimen for G.I. sheets?
Ans. – 60 mm x 60 mm (3 pcs. from one (1) sheet) / 1,000 sheets
107. What is the required sample for paints?
Ans. – reflector zed traffic paint
108. What is the common component of house paints?
Ans. – pigment and vehicle
109. What is this construction material that is dark brown to black cementations
material in which the predominating constituents are bitumen?
Ans. – asphalt
110. What asphalt is commonly called hot asphalt?
111. For how many hours or how long shall a bituminous prime coat left
undisturbed?
Ans. – 24 hrs.
112. What kind of asphalt is use as prime coat?
Ans. – cut-back asphalt (medium curing or rapid curing)

113. Bituminous prime coat is use to treat the surface of base course. True or false?
Ans. – true
114. No tack coat or prime coat shall be applied when the weather is foggy or rainy.
True or false?
Ans. – true
115. What kind of asphalt is use as tack coat?
Ans. – cut-back asphalt (rapid curing) or emulsified asphalt
116. Where should the bituminous seal coat be used?
Ans. – on an existing bituminous surface course with or with out an application
of aggregates.
117. If concrete cylinder sample for RCCP is not available for compressive test, one
(1) whole piece RCCP for every 50 pieces RCCP will be submitted for quality
test. True or false?
Ans. – true
118. One set (3 pcs.) concrete cylinder sample shall be taken for every how many
pieces of RCCP?
Ans. – 25 pieces
REVIEW FOR MATERIALS ENGINEERS ACCREDITATION
CONCRETE:
1. The most important factor affecting the strength of concrete.
Ans. – water – cement ratio
2. As work progresses in a concrete pavement construction sampling of concrete for flexural strength
test determination should be taken using:
Ans. – beam mold @ 63 strokes per layer
3. In order to determine the consistency of a concrete mixture, the most common method is:
Ans. – slump test
4. The strength level of concrete for Item 3.11 will be considered satisfactory if:
Ans. – the average of all sets of three (3) consecutive strength test results equals or
exceed the specified strength and no individual result is deficiency by 15% of
the specified strength.
5. In concrete paving a workable concrete should have a slump of:
Ans. – 40-75mm if not vibrated
6. When transporting concrete in a non-agitating truck, the time elapse from the time the water is
added to the mix until the concrete is deposited in place at site:
Ans. – shall not be exceeding 45 minutes
7. In a concrete paving, 17,680 bags of cement shall be consumed up to its completion, compute for
the number of quality test required.
Ans. – 9
8. A class B concrete requires a minimum compressive strength of:
Ans. – 2,400 psi

9. One of the most important characteristics of concrete is workability, which generally mean:
Ans. – the concrete mix could be easily placed without segregation
10. Sawing of construction joint shall be done when the concrete is sufficiently hardened usually at:
Ans. – 24 hrs.
11. A non-load bearing hollow blocks should have an individual strength requirement average of:
Ans. – at least 3.45 Mpa (500 psi), 4.14 Mpa (600 psi) minimum
12. What is Item 505?
Ans. – Stone Masonry

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