Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

What type of bolts should be used to secure wood piles to resisting forces?

1. Plastic-coated bolts

2. Hot dipped galvanized bolts

3. Aluminum bolts

4. Regular steel bolts

The correct answer is: Hot dipped galvanized bolts

Using hot dipped galvanized bolts to secure wood piles is essential for ensuring structural integrity and longevity in coastal and floodplain construction. These bolts are coated with a layer of zinc, which provides excellent corrosion resistance, especially in environments that are exposed to moisture, salt, and various weather conditions. This is particularly important in coastal areas where the presence of salt can rapidly degrade unprotected metal components. The durability of hot dipped galvanized bolts makes them suitable for securing wood piles against lateral and vertical forces, ensuring that the structure can withstand the dynamic loads imposed by wind, waves, and other environmental factors. The rough surface of galvanization also promotes better bonding and compatibility with wood, which is critical in applications where the connection needs to transfer loads effectively. In contrast, while plastic-coated bolts might offer some protection against corrosion, they typically do not provide the same degree of strength and reliability under load as galvanized bolts. Aluminum bolts, while lightweight and resistant to rust, may not have the necessary strength for heavy-load applications, and regular steel bolts are prone to rust and corrosion when exposed to the elements, making them a poor choice for this specific application.