NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

Setting slope stakes is mainly done to?

1. Ensure materials are properly aligned

2. Control drainage in an area

3. Establish grade and alignment for construction

4. Measure soil compaction rates

The correct answer is: Establish grade and alignment for construction

Setting slope stakes is primarily done to establish grade and alignment for construction. These stakes serve as reference points that guide builders in maintaining the correct elevation and slope of a surface during the construction process. By setting these stakes at predetermined intervals, workers can ensure that the earthwork being performed meets design specifications, which is crucial for aspects such as road surfaces, drainage, and overall structural integrity. Establishing proper grade and alignment is essential to achieving a level surface for traffic, preventing water accumulation, and ensuring that subsequent construction activities can proceed without issues related to misalignment or improper slope, which could lead to costly rework or structural failures later on. Thus, the primary function of slope stakes directly relates to maintaining the intended design criteria throughout the project.