Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

All of the following are TRUE regarding the bearing of wood joists on walls or beams in a single-family dwelling EXCEPT:

1. 1.5 inch bearing required on wood or steel

2. Joists framing from opposite ends shall lap at least 3 inches

3. Ribbon strips or joist hangers may be used

4. Minimum bearing on concrete or masonry shall be 4 inches

The correct answer is: Minimum bearing on concrete or masonry shall be 4 inches

The statement about minimum bearing on concrete or masonry shall be 4 inches is not true in the context provided. In residential construction, particularly for wood joists, the commonly accepted bearing requirement on concrete or masonry is usually less than 4 inches. The typical bearing surface needed is often around 3 inches, depending on local building codes or practices. The other statements accurately reflect standard practices and requirements in construction. For example, a 1.5-inch bearing requirement on wood or steel ensures that the joists have adequate support to bear loads safely. The practice of overlapping joists from opposite ends by at least 3 inches helps in distributing loads evenly and increasing the overall structural integrity of the framework. Additionally, using ribbon strips or joist hangers is a widely accepted method to provide better support for joists and create a strong connection between the joists and other structural members.