When sampling from a conveyor belt the inspector should:
Sample 3 equal increments and then recombine and mix
Gap graded soil is defined as?
1 sieve point or more missing from its particle distribution (also referred to as poorly graded)
Test specimens with what percentage of oversized material do not require a rock correction?
5% (ASTM D1557)
When sampling from a stockpile?
Sampling should be avoided without the use of power equipment, a flat board should be used to properly obtain sample, sampling should always be done @ varying elevations of the pile
Prior to placing fill over native ground what must occur?
Removal of vegetation and top soil is technically only thing that is required
When preparing a native surface for backfill what should be considered?
Scarifying the surface, removing any organic, benching slope areas if needed
When a rock correction is applied, the max dry density does what?
The oversized correction is for large particles so the max dry density will increase
A sheep’s foot compactor is most effective for compacting what type of soil?
Heavy clays but also sandy soils
The building official is permitted to waive the requirements for geotechnical investigation where:
Satisfactory data from adjacent areas is available that demonstrate an investigation isn’t necessary
Clays with a LL of less than 50 are labeled as? And where can you find this information?
CL or OL & it’s found in table 1 of ASTM D2487
Define “rough grading”
The general shaping of the earth and a site prior to establishing foundations and pavements
The standard penetration test (SPT) gives us?
An N-value
Define “Contour line”
A line connecting all points that share the same elevation
What equipment is best for pavement base courses?
Vibrating drum roller (also widely used for clays but is best w/ granular soil)
Thin-walled tubes are used in soil sampling?
Minimize the disturbance of the in-place material as it’s sampled
Plastic limit is?
The amount of water necessary to move soil from semi solid to plastic
Can non-plastic material be rolled into 1/8” worm?
If the material can’t be rolled into a 1/8” worm, it is not considered plastic
How far away from the nuclear desolate should other radioactive sources be when testing densities?
At least 30’ away
A relatively level area next to or excavated near a slope is?
A “bench”
When testing compaction in the trench it is necessary to?
Perform a correction to prevent artificial moisture readings from being added from the sidewalls , also should standardize the gauge in the trench
The ground immediately adjacent to the foundation must be sloped away from the building at a slope of what? And for how many feet?
It should slope away from the building at a slope of not less than 5% for a minimum of 10 feet
The definition of Rip Rap is?
Placing a stone or thin concrete on a sloped earth surface to protect against erosion
Definition for “silt”?
Material passing a No. 200 sieve down to clay sizes
How is the plasticity index calculated?
Liquid limit - plastic limit = plasticity index value
