Alabama Pre-Cast and Pre-Stressed Concrete Contractor Examination

According to PCI erection practice, when may temporary bracing or shoring of precast members be removed?

• AAs soon as the crane releases the member
• BAfter permanent connections are completed and the member is stable as designed
• CAt the end of the work shift regardless of connection status
• DAfter the member is set within two inches of final position

What is the preferred way to lift a precast concrete member on site?

• AUse only the embedded lifting inserts or hardware designed for that member
• BChoke a single chain around midspan of the member
• CDrill new lift holes through the flange wherever convenient
• DLift by rebar projecting from the member ends

How should precast wall panels typically be stored at the job site before erection?

• AFlat on bare soil with no blocking
• BOn firm, level dunnage or supports that keep the panels off the ground and properly suppo…
• CLeaning against equipment without ties
• DStacked edge-to-edge with no separators

Why must erection follow the approved erection sequence for multi-member precast frames?

• AThe sequence only affects paint color matching
• BIt maintains temporary stability, connection access, and design assumptions for load path…
• CAny random order is acceptable if members fit
• DSequences apply only to cast-in-place work

During handling of long prestressed beams, what condition should the crew watch for at the midspan?

• AExcessive sagging, twisting, or unexpected camber change that indicates improper support…
• BOnly the color of the form oil
• CWhether the beam has been painted
• DWhether the beam is warmer than ambient air

What is the primary purpose of identifying piece marks on precast members before erection?

• ATo match each member to shop drawings, orientation, and planned location in the structure
• BTo estimate the number of welders needed on the crew
• CTo replace structural calculations
• DTo determine the PSI exam registration fee

When setting a precast member, what should be verified before releasing the crane load?

• AThat temporary supports or connections restrain the member against displacement and overt…
• BThat the operator has finished lunch
• CThat only one worker is standing under the member
• DThat the member has been painted

How does PCI guidance generally treat impact loading when handling precast products?

• AImpact and rough handling should be avoided because they can crack concrete and damage in…
• BImpact is desirable to seat members faster
• CImpact only matters for timber products
• DImpact loads increase concrete strength immediately

For architectural precast panels, why is joint alignment checked during erection, not only after all panels are set?

• AEarly alignment control allows correction before adjacent members lock in cumulative error
• BJoints are never visible so checks are optional
• CAlignment is only the architect's responsibility after occupancy
• DJoint width has no aesthetic or waterproofing effect

What should be done if a precast member arrives with a damaged lifting insert?

• AStop use of that insert, protect the member, and obtain engineered repair or alternate ap…
• BIgnore the damage if the insert still holds a light pull by hand
• CWeld a random plate on site without review
• DLift using a chain wrapped through a window opening

When stacking similar precast floor slabs in storage, what practice best protects the units?

• AAlign supports vertically from stack to stack and use separators so loads transfer throug…
• BPlace all weight on the thin edges only
• CStack without regard to support locations
• DWet the stack continuously so units stick together

Why must precast members be protected from soil staining and standing water during jobsite storage?

• AContamination and moisture can stain architectural faces and promote surface damage befor…
• BSoil contact increases specified compressive strength
• CStanding water is required for curing finished precast
• DStaining improves bond of sealants later

What is a key reason to control camber orientation when setting prestressed beams?

• ABeams are usually set with designed camber (typically upward) matching the structural dra…
• BCamber is always installed downward for drainage
• CCamber orientation never affects connections
• DCamber is ignored once the piece leaves the plant

During multi-story precast erection, what is a primary risk of erecting upper-level members before lower levels are adequately braced and connected?

• AProgressive instability if temporary load paths are incomplete
• BImproved schedule with no structural downside
• CAutomatic increase in concrete strength
• DElimination of the need for shop drawings

What practice helps prevent edge spalling when setting heavy precast units onto bearings?

• AUse controlled lowering, clean bearing surfaces, and proper pad or grout bedding as detai…
• BDrop the unit from several inches to seat it
• CPlace the unit on loose gravel fill
• DOmit bearing pads to get concrete-to-concrete contact only

If a precast spandrel must be temporarily held plumb before final connections, which approach is appropriate?

• AUse engineered temporary bracing or approved braces until permanent connections are compl…
• BRely solely on friction of the bearing pad
• CHave two workers push against the panel by hand as the only restraint
• DLeave it free-standing overnight without ties

Why are softeners or protective pads often used between rigging hardware and precast surfaces?

• ATo reduce surface crushing, chipping, and finish damage at contact points
• BTo increase the rated capacity of the crane automatically
• CTo eliminate the need for tag lines
• DTo cure the concrete during the lift

What should the erector verify about member orientation before the final set?

• AThat face orientation, top/bottom, and left/right match piece marks and erection drawings
• BThat the heaviest end faces north
• CThat all members face the crane operator
• DThat orientation is chosen by the newest apprentice

During erection in cold weather, what handling consideration is especially important for precast members?

• AIcy surfaces, frozen mud under supports, and brittle behavior of some materials can incre…
• BCold weather eliminates the need for temporary bracing
• CIce on panels improves friction during lifting
• DFrozen ground automatically meets bearing design

A long double-tee is lifted with two-point rigging. What is a critical layout check?

• ALift points and sling geometry keep the member balanced near its center of gravity withou…
• BBoth hooks attach to only one stem
• CAll load is taken at the extreme tips of the flanges only
• DSling angles are made as flat as possible without checking capacity

What is the best practice when a precast member must be re-handled after initial storage?

• AUse approved lift points, inspect hardware, and follow the same careful handling rules as…
• BDrag the member across gravel to save crane time
• CRoll it with a forklift tine through an opening
• DSkip inspection because it was already lifted once

Why should temporary shoring of precast beams be located per the erection drawings or engineer of record?

• AShoring points control stresses, camber, and load paths during intermediate construction…
• BAny random shore location is equal
• CShores are only decorative
• DShores may be omitted if the beam looks stiff

What should crews do with embed plates and connection hardware during storage and handling?

• AProtect them from damage, deformation, and excessive corrosion so field fit-up remains po…
• BUse them as lift points even if not designed as such
• CPaint over thread damage without repair
• DRemove and discard all embeds before shipping

When erecting precast stairs or landings, what is a key field control?

• AVerify elevations, bearing lengths, and temporary support so units do not rock or become…
• BSet them any place they roughly fit the opening
• CRely on friction alone without bearings
• DSkip elevation checks if treads look level by eye

What is the principal risk of using damaged or improvised dunnage under prestressed girders?

• APoint loading or uneven support that cracks the girder or creates residual twist
• BIncreased girder compressive strength
• CAutomatic improvement of camber prediction
• DElimination of shipping restraints

Before shipping precast from plant to site, what documentation commonly accompanies the members for the erector?

• APiece lists, erection drawings, and handling or special instruction notes as applicable
• BOnly the concrete batch plant's tax ID
• CA blank sheet with no piece marks
• DThe general contractor's payroll register

If wind conditions exceed the erector's safe working limits during panel erection, what is the correct action?

• ASuspend critical lifts and secure incomplete work until conditions improve
• BSpeed up erection to finish before the wind increases further
• CRemove all temporary braces to reduce sail area immediately without a plan
• DContinue only night shifts regardless of wind

What does noncumulative mean when PCI erection tolerances are described as noncumulative?

• AEach member's placement tolerance is judged on its own limits rather than stacking unlimi…
• BNo tolerance applies to any dimension
• CAll errors from the foundation must be added into every upper piece automatically
• DTolerances only apply to cast-in-place concrete

When a precast column is set on a base plate or footing, what should be checked before grouting the base?

• APlumbness, elevation, location, and temporary stability per drawings
• BOnly that the column is somewhere on the footing
• CThat the column has been painted red
• DThat no temporary braces are used under any condition

Why is coordination with the crane operator essential when floating a precast member into a tight fit-up?

• ASmall, controlled movements prevent impact damage and allow connection crews to align har…
• BThe operator should freewheel the load without signals
• CFit-up never needs communication once the load is airborne
• DOnly the rigger may speak; the operator ignores signals

What is a primary function of elastomeric (neoprene) bearing pads under precast members?

• ATo distribute bearing stress and accommodate limited rotation and volume-change movements
• BTo permanently glue the member so no other connection is ever needed
• CTo replace structural design of the member
• DTo increase the member's 28-day compressive strength

When should load be applied to a grouted connection that is specified to develop strength before loading?

• AOnly after the grout has reached the specified strength or curing condition required by t…
• BImmediately after the grout is poured, while still fluid
• CAfter 10 minutes regardless of temperature
• DWhen the surface looks dry to the touch only

Why are nonshrink grouts commonly specified for structural precast bearing pockets and base plates?

• ATo maintain contact and load transfer without harmful settlement shrinkage gaps
• BBecause all nonshrink grouts are identical and need no mixing control
• CTo dissolve the bearing pad over time
• DTo eliminate the need for any temporary shoring forever on the project

What should be done with loose debris, ice, or oil in a connection or joint before grouting?

• AClean the surfaces so bond and full bearing can develop as detailed
• BLeave debris as aggregate for the grout
• CCover debris with extra grout thickness only
• DGrout first and clean later

Field-welded connections on precast embeds should be performed how?

• ABy qualified welders using approved procedures and materials consistent with the connecti…
• BBy any available laborer with a sparking tool
• CWithout regard to base-metal temperature or moisture
• DUsing whatever scrap electrode is nearest the truck

Why do many precast connections intentionally accommodate volume change?

• ACreep, shrinkage, and temperature movements can damage rigid connections that allow no mo…
• BVolume change never occurs in concrete
• COnly steel frames experience temperature movement
• DVolume-change accommodation reduces concrete cover requirements

What is dry-pack grout typically used for in precast work?

• APacking stiff grout into confined bearing areas where flowable fill is not suitable
• BAs a substitute for structural steel beams
• CTo prestress strands in the field
• DAs form-release oil

Before welding near prestressing strand or thin concrete sections, what risk must be controlled?

• AHeat damage to concrete, strand, or anchors if welding heat is excessive or poorly located
• BAutomatic improvement of strand bond from heat
• CElimination of cover requirements by welding
• DConversion of prestressing strand into mild bar by heat

What is the purpose of shear keys or keyed joints between some precast elements?

• ATo improve shear transfer across the joint when filled or detailed as required
• BTo eliminate all reinforcement in both members
• CTo serve as architectural reveals only with no structural role ever
• DTo allow unlimited differential settlement without design

When bolting precast connections with slotted holes, what is a common intent of the slots?

• ATo provide erection tolerance and/or controlled movement as detailed by the designer
• BTo weaken the connection intentionally below design strength
• CTo eliminate washers and plate washers always
• DTo allow any bolt grade without specification

Why must grout be retained in place until it can support itself or the connection detail is secure?

• APremature loss of grout leaves voids and incomplete bearing or bond
• BGrout should always drain completely before set
• CForms are never used with precast grout
• DRetention is only for aesthetic reasons

What should happen to excess grout on exposed architectural faces?

• ARemove it promptly before it hardens and stains or disfigures the finish
• BLeave it as texture for the final appearance
• CPaint over wet grout smears immediately without cleaning
• DSandblast the entire panel the same day regardless of finish type

Corbel or ledger bearing connections require verification of what basic geometric condition?

• AAdequate bearing length and width as shown on the approved drawings
• BZero contact so the member hangs only on welds
• CBearing only on insulation boards
• DBearing exclusively on temporary wood wedges left permanently in place

Epoxy or proprietary joint materials for precast connections must be used how?

• AStrictly per manufacturer instructions and project specifications for proportioning, temp…
• BMixed by eye without ratios
• CApplied on ice-covered substrates for better bond
• DDiluted with random solvents to increase coverage

What is a common purpose of continuity connections at precast beam or deck ends when shown on design documents?

• ATo develop moment or force continuity across supports as designed after erection and conn…
• BTo decorate the joint without structural effect
• CTo guarantee camber never changes
• DTo replace all simple bearings with friction only

If a welded connection plate is out of location beyond tolerance, what is the proper response?

• AStop and obtain an engineered fix or approved adjustment before forcing the fit
• BFlame-cut the precast member arbitrarily to fit
• CBend the plate with a sledge until something lines up
• DIgnore the offset if bolts can be forced in at a severe angle

Why do grout temperature limits matter during placement and curing?

• AExtremely hot or cold conditions can impair placement, set, and strength gain of cementit…
• BGrout strength is identical at any temperature
• CFreezing always increases early strength
• DBoiling the mix water always improves bond