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Contractor Licensing · S.5

Louisiana Contractor Concrete Reinforcement and Post Tensioning Trade Examination Practice Test

Concrete reinforcement and post-tensioning work depends on accurate interpretation of placing drawings, bar schedules, and tendon details. The practice bank samples field decisions involving reinforcement identification and storage, bar bends and lap splices, strand and duct handling, tendon positioning, concrete placement, and grouting after stressing.

Exam overview

Exam providerLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Exam codeS.5
CategoryContractor Licensing

About the Louisiana Contractor Concrete Reinforcement and Post Tensioning Tr… Exam

Reinforcing work calls for checking delivered steel against project specifications, keeping grades and bar marks identifiable, and coordinating fabrication and placement with the drawings. Crews must account for bend dimensions, splice details, cover, spacing, and congestion while maintaining reinforcement in its specified position. Post-tensioning tasks add careful handling and threading of strand, support and profile checks for tendons, and recognition that a displaced tendon needs correction before concrete placement. After stressing, grouting bonded tendons helps protect the steel and transfer bond through the tendon system. Concrete placement decisions also matter: controlled discharge and consolidation help fill around reinforcement without causing segregation. When field conditions conflict with a detail or specified arrangement cannot be placed, the appropriate task is to pause and seek an authorized resolution rather than change the design in the field.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

A crew is placing concrete in a member containing reinforcement. Which approach best helps avoid segregation while maintaining a controlled placement operation?

  1. ADrop the concrete from as high as practical so it spreads through the cage
  2. BPlace concrete in a controlled manner, limiting free-fall and directing it close to its final position
  3. CPush the concrete long distances through the reinforcement with the vibrator
  4. DAdd water at the point of placement whenever the mix appears difficult to move
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Controlled placement close to the final location helps reduce segregation and avoids using vibrators to transport concrete. Changes to the mixture, including adding water, must follow authorized procedures rather than being improvised in the field.

Question 2

A reinforcing-bar placing drawing shows a bar shape code and dimensions. What should the fabricator use to determine the required bend dimensions?

  1. AThe applicable project drawings and approved bar-bending details
  2. BA standard bend chosen by the installer based only on bar size
  3. CThe dimensions of a similar bar from another project
  4. DThe available space in the fabrication shop
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Bar shape and bend dimensions should follow the project’s approved details and applicable requirements. Substituting a customary or convenient shape can change the bar’s fit and structural detailing.

Question 3

A project detail requires two reinforcing bars to overlap for a lap splice. Which factor is most important in determining the required lap length?

  1. AThe length that is easiest to tie on site
  2. BThe applicable design documents and code requirements for the bar and concrete conditions
  3. CA fixed length equal to the bar diameter for every splice
  4. DThe distance to the nearest form tie
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Lap length depends on design and code provisions, which may account for bar size, concrete strength, reinforcement position, coating, confinement, and other conditions. It should not be guessed from a universal field rule.

Question 4

Before concrete placement, a crew finds that a tendon profile has been displaced from its supports. What is the best response?

  1. ALeave it in place because concrete pressure will correct it
  2. BRestore it to the approved profile and secure it before placement
  3. CPull it tight against the bottom of the form
  4. DRemove nearby reinforcement to create more space
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Tendon position determines the intended geometry and structural effect. Correcting and securing the tendon to the approved profile before placement reduces the chance of an unintended profile during concrete placement.

Question 5

When a reinforcing-bar delivery contains bars of several grades or types, what is a sound storage practice before installation?

  1. ACombine all bars in one pile and identify them from memory
  2. BKeep the different materials separated and clearly identified
  3. CStore the bars in standing water to preserve their markings
  4. DRemove all tags as soon as the truck is unloaded
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Separating and identifying different bar grades, coatings, or types helps prevent inadvertent substitution during installation. Preserve delivery identification and coordinate storage with project requirements.

Question 6

A shipment of reinforcing steel arrives with mill certificates. What is the primary value of reviewing the certificates against the project requirements?

  1. AThey confirm the steel’s documented grade and relevant material properties
  2. BThey establish the required concrete placement sequence
  3. CThey replace the need to check bar size and identification
  4. DThey determine the field lap splice length
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Mill certificates provide traceable documentation of material properties, such as grade and chemical or mechanical characteristics, for comparison with specified requirements. They do not replace field identification or project detailing.

Question 7

A post-tensioning strand is being threaded through a duct. Which practice helps reduce the risk of damaging the strand or duct?

  1. APull the strand with controlled equipment and avoid sharp edges, kinks, and excessive force
  2. BDrag the strand across exposed reinforcing-bar ends
  3. CMake a sharp bend wherever the strand meets resistance
  4. DUse impact blows to force the strand through a blockage
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Controlled threading and protection from sharp edges or abrupt bends help prevent damage and reduce installation problems. If the strand encounters an obstruction, the cause should be investigated rather than overcome with excessive force.

How to use this practice test

The free practice set draws up to 20 random questions from the 50-question bank for a session. Answer them as field scenarios, then review the results to identify which reinforcement, tendon-handling, or placement decisions need closer attention.

Preparation tips

  • Practice reading bar schedules and placing marks alongside drawings; distinguish bar identification from the dimensions used to fabricate bends.
  • For lap-splice questions, identify the project details and design factors that govern length rather than relying on a single rule of thumb.
  • Review how to keep reinforcing steel organized by grade and type, and how mill certificates help compare delivered material with project specifications.
  • Trace the post-tensioning sequence from duct and strand handling through tendon profile checks, stressing, and grouting of bonded tendons.
  • Work through placement scenarios involving congested reinforcement or displaced tendons; focus on protecting the specified arrangement and escalating conflicts before concrete is placed.
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