The Sanitary Engineering Licensure Examination in the Philippines covers various subjects essential for designing and maintaining sanitation systems. One crucial area of focus within the Civil Engineering aspect of the exam is Construction Materials and Methods, particularly in ensuring the integrity and durability of infrastructure projects related to water supply, sewage treatment, and environmental sanitation.
1. Properties and Testing of Construction Materials
Sanitary engineering projects heavily rely on materials like concrete, steel, and asphalt to construct water treatment plants, drainage systems, and pipelines. Concrete must be tested for compressive strength, workability, and durability, while steel is assessed for tensile strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Asphalt, used in roadworks and drainage linings, is evaluated for viscosity, stability, and flexibility to withstand varying loads and environmental conditions. These materials undergo laboratory and field testing to ensure compliance with national and international standards.
2. Construction Methods and Techniques
Infrastructure projects such as wastewater treatment plants, sewerage systems, and drainage networks require specialized construction techniques. The exam may cover excavation and backfilling procedures, concrete placement methods, steel reinforcement techniques, and waterproofing applications. Proper implementation of these methods ensures structural stability and functionality, preventing system failures and contamination risks.
3. Quality Control and Assurance in Construction
Sanitary engineers must ensure that all projects adhere to strict quality control and assurance protocols. This includes site inspections, material testing, and adherence to construction codes and standards. Maintaining quality in construction prevents issues like leakage, structural failures, and health hazards, which are critical in sanitary engineering projects.
SANITARY ENGINEER REVIEWER
Welcome to our Sanitary Engineer Reviewer. In this session, you'll have the opportunity to test your understanding of key concepts in Construction Materials and Methods. The quiz consists of multiple-choice questions covering various topics. Pay close attention to each question and select the best answer. After completing the exam, check the video or the answer key and explanations at the last part.
Properties and Testing of Construction Materials (Concrete, Steel, Asphalt)
1. What is the standard curing period for concrete to reach its designed compressive strength?
A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 28 days
D. 56 days
2. What is the minimum compressive strength of Class A concrete used in water-retaining structures?
A. 2,500 psi
B. 3,000 psi
C. 3,500 psi
D. 4,000 psi
3. Which test determines the workability of fresh concrete?
A. Compressive strength test
B. Abrasion test
C. Tensile strength test
D. Slump test
4. What is the most commonly used type of cement for general construction?
A. Type I – Ordinary Portland Cement
B. Type II – Moderate Sulfate Resistance
C. Type III – High Early Strength
D. Type V – High Sulfate Resistance
5. The water-cement ratio primarily affects which property of concrete?
A. Strength
B. Workability
C. Durability
D. All of the above
6. Which of the following materials improves the tensile strength of concrete?
A. Aggregates
B. Cement
C. Steel reinforcement
D. Water
7. Which test is used to measure the bonding strength between aggregates and bitumen in asphalt?
A. Ductility test
B. Marshall stability test
C. Stripping test
D. Penetration test
8. Which of the following tests is used to determine the softening point of bitumen?
A. Penetration test
B. Ring and Ball test
C. Ductility test
D. Flashpoint test
9. Steel used in reinforced concrete must have what characteristic?
A. High yield strength
B. High ductility
C. Good bond with concrete
D. All of the above
10. The air-entrainment in concrete improves:
A. Strength
B. Workability
C. Resistance to freeze-thaw cycles
D. Elasticity
Construction Methods and Techniques for Infrastructure Projects
11. The most common method of placing concrete in high-rise structures is:
A. Pumping
B. Buckets
C. Chutes
D. Manual pouring
12. In formwork design, what is the primary function of ties and braces?
A. Increase concrete strength
B. Reduce curing time
C. Improve workability
D. Prevent collapse of the formwork
13. The best method to prevent cold joints in concrete is:
A. Use of superplasticizers
B. Continuous pouring
C. Adding more cement
D. Reducing water content
14. Which of the following methods is commonly used to compact asphalt pavements?
A. Vibratory roller
B. Hand compactor
C. Water curing
D. Chiseling
15. The primary purpose of a waterstop in concrete joints is to:
A. Provide additional strength
B. Prevent water leakage
C. Improve workability
D. Reduce drying shrinkage
Quality Control and Assurance in Construction
16. The most critical factor affecting the durability of concrete is:
A. Water-cement ratio
B. Aggregate size
C. Temperature
D. Mixing method
17. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in construction?
A. Identify defective materials
B. Reduce worker safety measures
C. Increase project cost
D. Ensure compliance with specifications
18. Which test determines the strength of hardened concrete?
A. Slump test
B. Compression test
C. Penetration test
D. Marshall test
19. The main cause of honeycombing in concrete structures is:
A. Low water content
B. Slow curing
C. Overuse of cement
D. Poor compaction
20. The most effective method to ensure uniform concrete mix is:
A. Hand mixing
B. Manual pouring
C. Spraying
D. Mechanical mixing
21. What is the standard test specimen size for a concrete compressive strength test?
A. 100 mm x 200 mm cylinder
B. 150 mm x 300 mm cylinder
C. 200 mm x 400 mm cylinder
D. 50 mm x 100 mm cube
22. The primary objective of a slump test in fresh concrete is to measure its:
A. Compressive strength
B. Water content
C. Workability
D. Durability
23. Which construction material has the highest thermal expansion coefficient?
A. Concrete
B. Steel
C. Wood
D. Brick
24. In asphalt pavement construction, what is the purpose of a prime coat?
A. Improve surface texture
B. Increase bonding between layers
C. Reduce water absorption
D. Enhance skid resistance
25. What is the main cause of bleeding in fresh concrete?
A. Excessive water content
B. High cement content
C. Poor compaction
D. Low aggregate size
26. What type of concrete curing method is commonly used for large-scale slabs?
A. Ponding
B. Steam curing
C. Membrane curing
D. Water sprinkling
27. Which of the following causes segregation in concrete during placement?
A. Using air-entraining agents
B. Proper mixing
C. Excessive vibration
D. Low water-cement ratio
28. Which test is used to determine the abrasion resistance of aggregates?
A. Los Angeles Abrasion Test
B. Marshall Stability Test
C. Vebe Test
D. Schmidt Hammer Test
29. What is the minimum curing period for concrete structures exposed to hot weather conditions?
A. 3 days
B. 7 days
C. 14 days
D. 28 days
30. What is the common method for testing the strength of hardened concrete in existing structures without damaging it?
A. Core testing
B. Schmidt Hammer Test
C. Compression testing
D. Flexural strength test
ANSWER KEY HERE