CBI Site and Foundation Evaluation 2

Question 1

Under the IRC, what minimum fall should lot grading provide away from a foundation within the first 10 feet?

Accepted Answer

6 inches

Answer

IRC R401.3 requires grade to fall at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet from the foundation.

Question 2

Impervious surfaces such as driveways and patios within 10 feet of a building should slope away at a minimum of what percentage?

Accepted Answer

2%

Answer

IRC R401.3 requires impervious surfaces within 10 feet of the foundation to slope at least 2% away.

Question 3

An inspector sees a stair-step crack running diagonally through the mortar joints of a concrete block foundation wall. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Differential settlement

Answer

Stair-step cracks along mortar joints usually mean one part of the foundation has settled more than another.

Question 4

A long horizontal crack near mid-height of a block basement wall, with the wall bowing inward, most likely indicates what?

Accepted Answer

Lateral soil or hydrostatic pressure

Answer

Horizontal cracking with inward bowing is a classic sign of outside soil or water pressure pushing on the wall.

Question 5

What is the most likely cause of a white, powdery deposit on the interior face of a poured concrete basement wall?

Accepted Answer

Efflorescence from moisture migration

Answer

Efflorescence forms when water carries soluble salts through masonry or concrete and leaves them behind as it evaporates.

CBI - Certified Building Inspector Practice Test