NHI Bridge Safety Inspection Practice Exam 2025 (Midterm) – All-in-One Resource for In-Service Bridge Inspectors!

The correct response identifies secondary reinforcement as the type placed parallel to beams and stringers in a concrete deck. In bridge construction, secondary reinforcement is utilized to provide additional support and help manage the stresses and crack control in the concrete, particularly in areas where bending moments are not as significant as in main reinforced areas.

While primary reinforcement is typically oriented to address the primary forces acting on the structure, secondary reinforcement serves a different role. It aids in distributing loads that may arise during service conditions and enhances the overall performance of the concrete deck. This type of reinforcement interplays with the primary to create a balanced structural system.

Negative moment tension reinforcement, on the other hand, is primarily used for regions of the slab where negative moments occur, such as over supports, and is not specifically parallel to beams and stringers. CI reinforcement also does not pertain to the specific alignment related to parallel placement, as it refers to a different reinforcing context.

Thus, secondary reinforcement is crucial for ensuring the durability and integrity of the bridge deck by managing the stresses that could lead to cracking, keeping the overall structure robust and functional.