Construction Coordinator Practice Exam

When backfilling a boring pit or trench, what should be done to protect the buried conduit or cable in conduit (CIC)?

1. Only cover the conduit with dirt

2. Remove accessible rocks and backfill all but the top 12 inches with sand

3. Fill the entire trench with concrete

4. Leave the trench open until the next inspection

The correct answer is: Remove accessible rocks and backfill all but the top 12 inches with sand

Backfilling a boring pit or trench requires careful consideration to protect any buried conduit or cable. The best practice involves removing accessible rocks and backfilling all but the top 12 inches with sand. This approach is effective for several reasons. First, using sand as a backfill material is advantageous due to its favorable properties. Sand provides good drainage and is less likely to displace or damage the conduit compared to larger aggregate materials or soil that may contain rocks. By filling the trench with sand, you create a protective cushion around the conduit, reducing the risk of physical damage during subsequent backfilling or settling. Additionally, leaving the top 12 inches open allows for future inspections or modifications while ensuring the conduit is not completely buried under heavy materials or subjected to pressure that could compromise its integrity. This method provides a balance between safety, accessibility, and proper support for the conduit. In contrast, other options may lead to inadequate protection of the conduit. Covering it solely with dirt doesn't account for potential settling and could result in damage over time. Filling the entire trench with concrete would make future access difficult and risk damaging the conduit during excavation. Lastly, leaving the trench open until the next inspection poses a safety hazard and can expose the conduit to environmental elements that