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Structural Systems Inspection Flashcards

7 cards from real CBI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Under the IRC, notches in the top or bottom of a sawn lumber floor joist may not exceed what fraction of the joist depth (excluding end notches)?

    Answer: One-sixth

    IRC R502.8 limits notches to one-sixth of the joist depth and prohibits them in the middle third of the span.

  2. Bored holes in a sawn lumber floor joist must be kept at least how far from the top or bottom edge of the joist?

    Answer: 2 inches

    IRC R502.8 requires holes to be no closer than 2 inches to the top or bottom edge and no larger than one-third of the joist depth.

  3. An inspector sees a long horizontal crack running along the middle height of a concrete block basement wall, which bows inward slightly. What is the most likely cause?

    Answer: Lateral soil or hydrostatic pressure

    Horizontal cracking with inward bowing in block walls typically comes from lateral pressure from the soil outside and should be referred to a structural engineer.

  4. What is the minimum bearing length required for the end of a wood joist resting on concrete or masonry under the IRC?

    Answer: 3 inches

    IRC R502.6 requires 3 inches of bearing on masonry or concrete and 1-1/2 inches on wood or metal.

  5. During an attic inspection, an inspector finds that a web member of a factory-built roof truss has been cut to make room for an HVAC unit. What is the proper recommendation?

    Answer: Refer to a qualified engineer for a repair design

    Trusses are engineered systems, and any altered member requires an engineer-designed repair.

  6. Which IRC clearance applies to untreated wood floor joists over an exposed soil crawlspace?

    Answer: At least 18 inches above grade

    IRC R317.1 requires naturally durable or preservative-treated wood if joists are closer than 18 inches to exposed ground (12 inches for girders).

  7. Which observation most suggests active subterranean termite activity on a foundation wall?

    Answer: Pencil-width mud tubes running up the wall

    Subterranean termites build mud shelter tubes to travel from soil to wood while staying protected from drying out.