Question 1
LSU.CM 3503E Final Exam 2026. A sample of sand has a mass of 4079.5 grams in its natural state and 3374.0 grams after oven drying. This sample has a volume of 2105.0 cm³. Its specific gravity is 2.67. The natural percent moisture for this soil is: (1 lb = 454 grams; 1 ft³ = 28,317 cm³)
Answer: 20.91%
Question 2
Any man made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth removal is:
- a. excavation
- b. trench excavation
- c. canal
- d. basement
- e. borrow pit
Question 3
A narrow underground excavation with a depth greater than the width, but no wider than 15 is called:
- a. trench excavation
- b. excavation
- c. tunnel
- d. borrow pit
- e. none of the above
Question 4
The main difference between a competent person and a qualified person is the possession of a degree, certificate, professional training and experience and can solve problems relating to the work at hand.
- True
- False
Question 5
Which of the following statements is true about a competent person? LSU.CM 3503E Final Exam 2026
- a. Capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards
- b. capable of identifying hazardous or unsanitary working conditions
- c. has authorization to take corrective action eliminating hazards
- d. all of the above
- e. none of the above
Question 6
The organization within the Department of Labor authorized to conduct job-site inspection is:
- a. Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- b. Employment & Training Administration
- c. Office of Labor-Management Standards
- d. Chief Evaluation Office
- e. Office of Disability Employment Policy
Question 7
OSHA does enforce violations on excavations less than 5 ft. in depth.
- True
- False
Question 8
Which of the following is true for access and egress for trench excavations 4ft. or greater in depth?
- a. means of access and egress should be located within 25 ft. of all workers
- b. competent persons have no authority to evacuate workers in case of unsafe trench excavation conditions
- c. safe egress and access are not required for excavations greater than 4 ft. in depth
- d. competent persons are not required to select the preferred method of access and egress LSU.CM 3503E Final Exam 2026
- e. steps, ramps, stairways, ladders, and sloped soil are acceptable for egress and access
Question 9
Training is required for both competent persons and excavation workers.
- True
- False
Question 10
Which of the following statement is false when excavating in rock?
- a. difficulty in excavating rock means it is stable
- b. Drilling, blasting, and grinding can destabilize rock
- c. A competent person should inspect rock for fissures, cracks, and loose materials daily
- d. If the rock is determined to be stable, the sides may be vertical
Question 11
When a problem in soils is encountered, the presence or absence of water is generally to blame. CM 3503E Final Exam 2026
- True
- False
Question 12
Factors affecting cave-in forces include which of the following:
- a. surcharge loads
- b. width of the excavation
- c. depth of the excavation
- d. both A and C
- e. none of the above
Question 13
A competent person is required to classify soil using at least one manual and one visual test.
- True
- False
Question 14
The main categories of protective systems include:
- a. sloping
- b. benching
- c. shoring
- d. shielding
- e. all of the above
Question 15
The maximum allowable slope for an excavation less than 20 feet deep in stable rock is:
- a. vertical
- b. 3/4:1
- c. 1:1
- d. 1.5:1
- e. none of the above LSU.CM 3503E Final Exam 2026
Question 16
The maximum allowable slope for an excavation less than 20 feet deep in Type C soil is:
- a. vertical
- b. 3/4:1
- c. 1:1
- d. 1.5:1
- e. none of the above
Question 17
The maximum allowable slope for an excavation less than 20 feet deep in Type A soil is:
- a. vertical
- b. 3/4:1
- c. 1:1
- d. 1.5:1
- e. none of the above
Question 18
The maximum allowable slope for an excavation less than 20 feet deep in Type B soil is:
- a. vertical
- b. 3/4:1
- c. 1:1
- d. 1.5:1
- e. none of the above
Question 19
The recognized methods for designing shoring and shielding include all of the following EXCEPT:
- a. using tabulated data approved by a registered Professional Engineer
- b. design by a registered Professional Engineer
- c. use of data provided by manufacturer of protective equipment
- d. designed by the competent person
- e. design using requirements found in OSHA standard
Question 20
Inspections of an excavation must be made by a competent person:
- a. daily
- b. as needed throughout the shift CM 3503E Final Exam 2026
- c. after every rainstorm
- d. all of the above
