Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

Which statement regarding the placement of masonry units in a single family dwelling is NOT true?

1. Mortar shall be plastic

2. Surfaces shall be clean and free of deleterious material

3. Units where initial bond is broken shall be removed and relaid

4. Deep furrowing of bed joints

The correct answer is: Deep furrowing of bed joints

The statement regarding deep furrowing of bed joints is not true in the context of proper masonry unit placement for a single-family dwelling. In masonry construction, bed joints should be compact and uniformly filled with mortar to ensure structural integrity and proper bonding of the masonry units. Deep furrowing would imply excessive material removal, which can lead to insufficient mortar coverage and may compromise the strength and overall stability of the masonry wall. The other statements provide accurate guidelines for masonry construction. Plastic mortar ensures that the mortar can adequately bond with the masonry units during the setting process. Clean surfaces free of any contaminating materials are crucial for achieving a solid bond between the mortar and units. Furthermore, if units are placed such that the initial bond is broken, removing and relaying these units is necessary to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the masonry work. This ensures that the construction meets safety standards and performs well over time.