General Contractor Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the General Contractor Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and detailed explanations, this resource will ensure you’re ready for your licensing examination!

Practice this question and more.

What is the commonly used steel grade for bridges?

A36
A992
A572
A500

The correct answer is: A36

A36 is a commonly used steel grade for bridges due to its favorable properties, such as good weldability and ductility, which make it suitable for structural applications. This grade of steel has a minimum yield strength of 36,000 psi, providing adequate strength for many bridge designs, especially for general structural purposes. Moreover, A36 steel is versatile and relatively cost-effective, which contributes to its widespread use in the construction industry. While other grades like A992 are specifically designed for buildings and have higher strength requirements, and A572 offers higher yield strengths (with A572-50 and A572-65 being common), A36 remains the go-to option for many bridge designs. A500 is primarily used for structural tubing and does not typically apply to bridge girders or beams, which further emphasizes A36's suitability. Therefore, the choice of A36 reflects a balance between structural integrity, cost, and ease of fabrication, making it a standard choice in bridge construction.