ASHI ASHI Foundations & Basements

Question 1

Which type of crack in a poured concrete foundation wall is most likely to indicate structural movement?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal crack near mid-height of the wall

Answer

Vertical hairline shrinkage crack

Answer

Diagonal crack at a window corner

Answer

Map cracking on the surface

Question 2

What does a stair-step crack in a block foundation wall most commonly indicate?

Accepted Answer

Differential settlement causing the wall to move along mortar joints

Answer

Normal concrete curing shrinkage

Answer

Freeze-thaw damage to the block surface

Answer

Impact damage from landscaping equipment

Question 3

According to ASHI Standards of Practice, which of the following is within the scope of a foundation inspection?

Accepted Answer

Visually inspecting the accessible portions of the foundation

Answer

Excavating soil to inspect the footing

Answer

Conducting soil bearing capacity tests

Answer

Measuring foundation depth below frost line

Question 4

Efflorescence on basement walls is primarily a sign of:

Accepted Answer

Water moving through the masonry and depositing mineral salts

Answer

Poor paint adhesion on the wall surface

Answer

Radon gas seeping through the foundation

Answer

Normal concrete carbonation

Question 5

What is the purpose of a footing drain (perimeter drain) around a foundation?

Accepted Answer

To collect and redirect groundwater away from the foundation before it can create hydrostatic pressure

Answer

To prevent frost from penetrating below the footing

Answer

To ventilate the crawl space perimeter

Answer

To carry roof drainage away from the structure

Question 6

An inspector observes inward bowing of a block foundation wall with horizontal cracking. The appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Report it as a significant structural deficiency and recommend immediate evaluation by a structural engineer

Answer

Note it as cosmetic and monitor annually

Answer

Recommend applying hydraulic cement to the crack

Answer

Advise the buyer to install interior drainage only