Structural Systems Inspection Flashcards
7 cards from real CHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Structural Systems Inspection flashcards as text
A home inspector observes horizontal cracks in a poured concrete foundation wall. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Lateral soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure pushing inward
Horizontal cracks in foundation walls typically indicate lateral pressure from soil or water pushing against the wall, which is a serious structural concern.
Which type of beam is identified by its tapered flange and is commonly used in residential floor framing?
Answer: American Standard (S-shape) beam
American Standard beams have tapered flanges, distinguishing them from wide flange beams which have parallel flanges.
When inspecting floor joists, a home inspector finds that a joist has been notched at mid-span. What concern does this raise?
Answer: Notching at mid-span significantly reduces the joist's bending strength
Mid-span notching is the most critical location because bending stress is highest there, and any reduction in depth significantly weakens the joist.
An inspector notices that a ridge board in an attic has a noticeable sag. What structural issue does this most likely indicate?
Answer: The ridge board is undersized or rafters are lacking proper collar ties
A sagging ridge board indicates that the roof framing lacks adequate support, often because the ridge is undersized or collar ties/rafter ties are missing.
What does the term 'bearing wall' mean in residential construction?
Answer: A wall that transfers loads from above down to the foundation
A bearing wall supports the weight of floors, roofs, or other walls above it and transfers those loads to the foundation.
During a home inspection, the inspector observes that a steel I-beam in the basement has significant rust and section loss. What is the primary structural concern?
Answer: Section loss reduces the beam's load-carrying capacity
Section loss from corrosion reduces the cross-sectional area of the beam, directly decreasing its ability to carry loads safely.
A home inspector finds that floor joists span 14 feet and have no bridging or blocking installed. What should the inspector report?
Answer: Bridging is recommended for joists spanning over 8 feet to prevent rotation and increase stability
IRC guidelines recommend bridging or blocking for floor joists spanning more than 8 feet to prevent lateral rotation and improve load distribution.