Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

What is the minimum required thickness for a rubble stone foundation wall?

1. 8 inches

2. 10 inches

3. 12 inches

4. 16 inches

The correct answer is: 16 inches

The minimum required thickness for a rubble stone foundation wall is indeed 16 inches. This specification is important for maintaining the structural integrity of the foundation. Rubble stone, being an irregularly shaped material, requires a thicker wall to adequately distribute loads and stresses. A thickness of 16 inches helps ensure that the wall can support the weight of the structure above and resist lateral pressures that may arise from soil and environmental conditions. In many building codes, thicker walls are recommended or mandated for specific types of materials, including rubble stone, to account for their varying shapes and sizes, which can lead to uneven load distribution. The substantial thickness also contributes to durability and longevity, safeguarding against potential settling or shifting over time. While the other thickness options may seem feasible in some contexts, they do not meet the minimum safety and structural standards typically outlined in building regulations for rubble stone foundations, making 16 inches the correct choice in this scenario.