Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

Can an eight foot high concrete foundation wall of plain concrete be 8 inches thick if the maximum depth of unbalanced fill is 6 feet?

1. No

2. Yes

3. Only with additional support

4. Only if reinforced

The correct answer is: Yes

In the context of structural engineering and building codes, the thickness of a concrete foundation wall needs to be assessed concerning the loads it will bear and the conditions it will be exposed to. In this case, an eight-foot-high concrete foundation wall that is eight inches thick can be adequate even when there is a maximum unbalanced fill of six feet. The key factor to consider here is that an eight-inch thickness is generally acceptable for a foundation wall that is supporting a height of up to eight feet of unbalanced load, provided that the concrete mix is appropriate and the wall is constructed properly. The foundation's thickness must ensure that it can handle the lateral pressures exerted by the surrounding soil, particularly when there is a significant amount of fill. Additionally, plain concrete can be used effectively in non-load-bearing situations or where structural reinforcements are not necessary. However, various local building codes may stipulate specific requirements for walls in areas with substantial unbalanced fill, so it's also essential to verify compliance with those codes. This understanding confirms that the answer is appropriate, as long as the wall design adheres to structural integrity principles and any applicable regulations.