California CSLB C-50 Reinforcing Steel Examination

How many years of journey-level experience are required to qualify for a California C-50 Reinforcing Steel contractor license?

• A4 years of journey-level experience within the past 10 years
• B2 years of journey-level experience within the past 5 years
• C5 years of journey-level experience within the past 12 years
• D3 years of journey-level experience within the past 8 years

What is the current CSLB application fee for a C-50 Reinforcing Steel contractor license?

• A$250 paid to CSLB with PSI billing separate
• B$650 paid directly to PSI for both the application fee and the trade examination scheduli…
• C$450 paid to CSLB, with exam scheduling fees paid separately to PSI
• D$150 paid to CSLB with no separate exam fee

A #5 reinforcing bar has a nominal diameter of 0.625 inches. Using steel weighing 0.2833 lb/in³, what is its approximate weight per linear foot?

• A0.67 lb/ft
• B2.67 lb/ft
• C1.50 lb/ft
• D1.04 lb/ft

A bar list calls for 20 pieces of #8 bar, each 20 feet long. Using 2.674 lb/ft for a #8 bar, what is the total weight of steel to order?

• A535 lb
• B802 lb
• C1,070 lb
• D2,140 lb

A 40-foot-long concrete wall requires vertical rebars spaced at 12 inches on center, with one bar at each end. How many vertical bars are required?

• A40 bars
• B41 bars
• C39 bars
• D48 bars

Under ACI 318, a Class B lap splice is required when which condition exists at a splice location?

• AAll bars in the splice region are spaced at least 12 inches apart on center throughout th…
• BThe concrete compressive strength exceeds 4,000 psi
• CMore than 50% of the reinforcement is spliced within the required lap length of a given s…
• DThe bars being spliced are #5 or smaller

What is the primary purpose of a reinforcing steel shop drawing (placing drawing)?

• ATo serve as the structural design calculation document
• BTo show the architect's aesthetic layout of the structure, including finishes and appeara…
• CTo detail bar sizes, shapes, bends, and placement for fabrication and field installation
• DTo document the contractor's payment schedule and change orders

Which of the following information is typically found on a reinforcing bar bending schedule (bar list)?

• AOnly the total weight of steel for the project
• BThe concrete mix design and slump requirements
• CBar mark, size, diameter, cutting length, bending dimensions, shape code, and quantity
• DThe name of the concrete supplier, delivery schedule, and batch plant approval number, an…

Which two standard hook types are most commonly specified in ACI 318 for reinforcing bars?

• A45-degree and 90-degree hooks
• B90-degree and 180-degree hooks
• C135-degree and 270-degree hooks
• D60-degree and 120-degree hooks

Per ACI 318, a standard 90-degree hook on a #6 bar (db = 0.75 in) requires an extension of at least 12·db beyond the bend. What is the minimum extension length?

• A9 inches
• B6 inches
• C12 inches
• D4 inches

Which statement is correct regarding the bending of reinforcing bars in the fabrication shop?

• ABars may be bent hot at any temperature to speed production
• BRebending a straightened bend is permitted without restriction to save material and reduc…
• CBending should be cold, without heating, meeting CRSI tolerances for angles and dimensions
• DAll bends must be made with a torch to avoid cracking

What is the minimum concrete clear cover required by ACI 318 for reinforcement cast against and permanently exposed to earth?

• A1.5 inches
• B2 inches
• C3 inches
• D0.75 inches

What is the function of rebar chairs (bar supports) in a reinforced concrete slab?

• ATo splice vertical bars together
• BTo replace the need for tied wire at all bar intersections throughout the entire rebar ma…
• CTo provide formwork for the concrete slab edge
• DTo hold bars at correct height and maintain specified concrete cover during placement

Which wire tie is commonly used for fastening intersecting reinforcing bars where bars are in the same plane and a simple connection is sufficient?

• ASaddle tie
• BFigure-eight (wrap and saddle) tie
• CCross tie
• DContinuous spiral tie

A #7 Grade 60 bar (db = 0.875 in) is anchored with a standard 90-degree hook in normal-weight concrete with f'c = 4,000 psi. If the basic development length factor for the hook is approximately 11.25·db and the applicable modification factors multiply to 1.0, what is the required hook development length ℓdh?

• A6.9 inches
• B9.8 inches
• C11.25 inches
• D14.6 inches

In a post-tensioned concrete system, when are the tendons stressed relative to concrete placement?

• ABefore the concrete is placed, while the forms are still open
• BOnly after the structure has been fully loaded in service for at least 28 days continuous…
• CDuring concrete placement, while the concrete is still wet
• DAfter the concrete reaches the specified minimum strength, typically about 75% of f'c

What is the primary difference between bonded and unbonded post-tensioning systems?

• ABonded systems use tendons stranded on site; unbonded systems use solid steel rods with n…
• BBonded systems grout the duct after stressing; unbonded systems use greased, sheathed str…
• CBonded systems require no ducts; unbonded systems use metal ducts
• DThere is no functional difference between the two systems

Why is cement grout injected into the ducts of a bonded post-tensioning system after stressing?

• ATo lubricate the tendons for future re-stressing
• BTo increase the slump of the original concrete mix and improve its workability during pla…
• CTo reduce the weight of the concrete member
• DTo bond the tendon to the concrete, provide corrosion protection, and develop composite a…

A 1/2-inch-diameter, 270 ksi seven-wire post-tensioning strand has a nominal area of 0.153 in². What is the approximate jacking force if the tendon is stressed to 80% of its ultimate tensile strength?

• A20.8 kips
• B27.5 kips
• C33.0 kips
• D41.3 kips

Which of the following is a recognized source of prestress loss in a post-tensioned system?

• AAnchorage seating (wedge draw-in) loss
• BExcess concrete slump during placement
• CIncorrect form release agent
• DOverly rapid form removal

What is the primary hazard when cutting reinforcing steel with a power abrasive saw?

• ACarbon monoxide poisoning from the gasoline-powered saw motor in enclosed or poorly venti…
• BElectrocution from rebar acting as a ground
• CFlying sparks, hot metal fragments, and blade contact causing cuts or eye injury
• DHydraulic fluid injection from the saw

What safety precaution is critical when stressing post-tensioning tendons?

• AStanding directly behind the jack to monitor the gauge
• BRemoving all guards around the anchorage to observe the wedge seating directly, which exp…
• CStressing the tendon with the concrete still wet to reduce load
• DKeeping personnel clear of the live anchorage and tendon path, using a stressing cage or…

Which personal protective equipment is required when tying reinforcing steel at ground level in a footing excavation?

• AHard hat, gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy work boots; plus excavation access/egress la…
• BOnly a hard hat; gloves are optional
• CRespirator and full Tyvek suit at all times, which is required only for hazardous materia…
• DWelding hood and leather apron

Under Cal/OSHA Title 8 §1670, at what fall distance must workers tying rebar at an elevated wall cage in California be protected by a personal fall arrest system or other approved fall protection?

• A4 feet
• B15 feet
• CMore than 7-1/2 feet
• D6 feet

A hydraulic stressing jack used for post-tensioning must be calibrated before use. What is the primary reason for calibration, and how often is it typically required?

• ACalibration prevents rust on the jack cylinder; it is done once at purchase
• BCalibration ensures the pressure-to-force relationship is accurate so the specified tendo…
• CCalibration adjusts the tendon elongation; it is done every 30 days
• DCalibration is only needed for bonded systems and is done every 5 years, which misstates…

On a project's structural drawings, which designation tells the reinforcing steel contractor the minimum yield strength of the bars to furnish?

• AThe concrete compressive strength f'c noted in the general structural design notes for th…
• BThe bar grade designation (e.g., Grade 60), which indicates a minimum yield strength of 6…
• CThe bar size number (e.g., #6)
• DThe drawing scale noted in the title block

When preparing a reinforcing steel material estimate, what typical percentage is added for lap splices and waste on straightforward bar placements?

• A0% — the bar list accounts for all material
• B50% added for all field adjustments, design changes, and last-minute modifications to the…
• CApproximately 5-10% added to the calculated weight for laps, cuts, bending, and handling…
• D100% added as a safety factor

Which organization publishes the industry-standard manual used by fabricators and placers for detailing, bending, and placing reinforcing steel?

• AAmerican Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
• BPost-Tensioning Institute (PTI)
• CAmerican Welding Society (AWS)
• DConcrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI)

A one-way slab requires 2.0 in² of steel area per foot of width. If #8 bars (area = 0.79 in² each) are used, what is the maximum spacing required to provide the specified steel area?

• A4.75 inches on center
• B6 inches on center
• C12 inches on center throughout
• D8 inches on center

What does the designation 'Grade 60' stamped on a reinforcing bar indicate?

• AThe bar weighs exactly 60 pounds per linear foot regardless of bar size
• BThe bar was manufactured in 1960
• CThe bar is 60 inches long
• DThe bar has a minimum specified yield strength of 60,000 psi

During a material takeoff from structural drawings, which of the following must be counted to produce a complete reinforcing steel order?

• AOnly the linear feet of bars in slabs
• BThe total cubic yards of concrete only, with no reinforcing steel quantities, accessories…
• CEach bar mark with its size, shape, length, quantity, plus laps, hooks, supports, and acc…
• DThe number of truckloads of ready-mix

Using the common field approximation of 40·db for a Class A lap splice on Grade 60 bars, what is the approximate lap length for a #6 bar (db = 0.75 in)?

• A20 inches
• B45 inches
• C30 inches
• D60 inches

A fabricator ships 50 pieces of #11 rebar, each 30 feet long. Using 5.31 lb/ft for a #11 bar, what is the total weight on the load?

• A2,655 lb
• B5,310 lb
• C7,965 lb
• D10,620 lb

Per ACI 318, what is the minimum bend diameter for a 180-degree standard hook on a #5 bar (db = 0.625 in)?

• A3.75 inches (6·db)
• B5.0 inches (8·db)
• C6.25 inches (10·db)
• D2.5 inches (4·db)

Which statement about fabricated stirrup and tie bend tolerances is correct under CRSI standard practice?

• ABends must be exact to the nearest 1/32 inch with no tolerance
• BTolerances are set by the contractor in the field with no published standard, which contr…
• CAll stirrups must be bent to exactly 90 degrees with zero angular tolerance
• DCRSI publishes permissible tolerances for bend angle and dimension, allowing minor deviat…

What temporary support is used to stabilize a tall vertical rebar cage for a column or pier before and during concrete placement?

• ALarger-diameter bars placed inside the cage
• BWelding the bars to the footing dowels
• CExtra tie wire wrapped around the bars, which adds minor confinement but cannot by itself…
• DGuy wires, bracing frames, or internal struts that are removed as the pour progresses, pl…

In a reinforced concrete column, what governs the maximum spacing of lateral ties (confinement reinforcement)?

• ATies may be spaced at any distance up to the column height
• BTie spacing is determined solely by the concrete supplier
• CTies must be spaced at exactly 12 inches on center regardless of bar size, which ignores…
• DACI 318 limits tie spacing to the lesser of 16 longitudinal bar diameters, 48 tie diamete…

Per CRSI tolerances, what is the typical permitted variation for the distance between the surface of the concrete and the nearest reinforcing bar (cover distance)?

• A0 inches, meaning cover must be exact with no permitted tolerance, which contradicts the…
• BPlus or minus 1/2 inch for members 8 inches or less in thickness, with larger tolerances…
• CPlus or minus 3 inches
• DPlus or minus 6 inches

When detailing lap splices in a column with 8 longitudinal bars, the engineer requires that no more than 50% of the bars be spliced at any one section. How should the splices be arranged?

• AAll 8 bars spliced at the same elevation for simplicity, which violates the engineer's 50…
• BStagger the splices so 4 bars are spliced at one elevation and the remaining 4 are splice…
• CSplice only 2 bars at a time in groups of 2
• DDo not lap splice any column bars

Which of the following components is essential to a complete post-tensioning system?

• AAnchorage fittings (live and dead-end anchors), tendons (strands), ducts or sheathing, st…
• BPortland cement and aggregate only
• CWelding rods and a wire feed welder, which are used for structural steel shop welding, no…
• DStructural steel wide-flange beams

During post-tensioning stressing, what two measurements must be recorded and compared to verify that the tendon has been properly stressed?

• AConcrete temperature and ambient humidity, which are useful for curing records but do not…
• BThe jack gauge pressure (force) and the measured tendon elongation, compared to the calcu…
• CThe number of strands and the duct diameter
• DThe concrete slump and air content

What is the purpose of a dead-end (fixed) anchorage in a post-tensioning system?

• ATo allow re-stressing of the tendon at any future time, which is not a function of a dead…
• BTo anchor the tendon at the end opposite the stressing end, transferring force to the con…
• CTo cut off excess strand after stressing
• DTo inject grout into the duct

In a post-tensioned beam with a draped (harped) tendon profile, what causes friction losses along the tendon during stressing?

• AOnly the weight of the tendon itself
• BThe temperature of the concrete at stressing, which affects elongation readings but is no…
• CContact pressure between the tendon and the duct walls along curved (draped) sections, pl…
• DThe color of the duct material

What is the purpose of detensioning (de-stressing) in a post-tensioning operation, and when might it be required?

• ADetensioning is never required once tendons are stressed
• BDetensioning is used to add more strands to the duct after stressing
• CDetensioning releases force from a tendon to correct an overstress, repair a damaged anch…
• DDetensioning is performed before concrete placement to loosen the tendons, which misstate…

What is the purpose of placing protective caps over the protruding ends of reinforcing bars on a construction site?

• ATo prevent impalement injuries to workers who might fall onto or brush against exposed ba…
• BTo prevent the bars from rusting before concrete is placed and to maintain the mill surfa…
• CTo mark the grade of the steel
• DTo keep birds from landing on the bars

When a worker must reach an area guarded only by standard mushroom caps on #5 vertical rebar, which statement about impalement protection is correct?

• AStandard mushroom caps protect against all fall and impalement hazards regardless of fall…
• BStandard mushroom caps protect against scratches and minor contact but do NOT provide imp…
• CAny plastic cap of any color provides full impalement protection
• DWrapping the bar end with duct tape is an approved impalement protection method, which is…