CRC Foundation & Structural Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In residential framing, what is the horizontal structural member that spans across a window or door opening to carry the load above it?
- Girder
- Header (Correct answer)
- Purlin
- Ridge board
Correct answer: Header
A header is a horizontal framing member installed above openings to redirect structural loads around the opening to the supporting studs on either side.
Question 2: Which wood framing system uses continuous full-length studs that run from the foundation sill plate all the way to the roof rafters without interruption at each floor level?
- Platform framing
- Balloon framing (Correct answer)
- Post-and-beam framing
- Structural insulated panel construction
Correct answer: Balloon framing
Balloon framing uses long studs running from foundation to roof, with floor joists attached to the side of the studs — unlike platform framing where each floor is built as a separate platform.
Question 3: What is the minimum required bearing length for a wood beam resting on a concrete foundation wall per the IRC?
- 1.5 inches
- 3 inches (Correct answer)
- 4 inches
- 6 inches
Correct answer: 3 inches
IRC Section R602.6 requires a minimum bearing length of 3 inches for wood beams supported on concrete or masonry walls.
Question 4: In structural engineering for residential construction, which type of load refers to the permanent weight of the building's own structure and fixed components?
- Live load
- Dead load (Correct answer)
- Seismic load
- Snow load
Correct answer: Dead load
Dead load is the constant, permanent weight of structural materials, finishes, and fixed equipment that does not change over the life of the building.
Question 5: What is the primary structural advantage of using LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams over solid sawn lumber beams of the same dimension?
- LVL beams cost less per linear foot than solid sawn lumber
- LVL offers greater dimensional stability and more predictable, consistent strength (Correct answer)
- LVL provides better fire resistance than solid sawn lumber
- LVL can be cut to custom lengths on site more easily
Correct answer: LVL offers greater dimensional stability and more predictable, consistent strength
LVL is an engineered product manufactured under controlled conditions, eliminating natural defects and providing consistent, predictable strength properties superior to solid sawn lumber.
Question 6: In residential wall framing, what is a 'jack stud' (also called a trimmer stud)?
- The full-length stud running from bottom plate to top plate on either side of an opening
- A shorter vertical stud placed alongside the king stud to support the header at an opening (Correct answer)
- A short stud installed above a header or below a window sill
- A diagonal brace stud used in braced wall panels for lateral resistance
Correct answer: A shorter vertical stud placed alongside the king stud to support the header at an opening
A jack stud (trimmer stud) is a shortened stud that bears the load of the header and transfers it down to the bottom plate, and is nailed alongside the full-length king stud.
Question 7: Which structural element is responsible for transferring concentrated vertical loads from upper floor beams or headers down to the foundation in a residential load path?
- Blocking between joists
- Rim joists at floor perimeter
- Posts or columns (Correct answer)
- Bridging between floor joists
Correct answer: Posts or columns
Posts and columns are vertical compression members designed to carry concentrated point loads from beams, headers, or ridge lines directly down to the foundation or footing.
CRC Foundation & Structural Systems 2
In residential framing, what is the horizontal structural member that spans across a window or door opening to carry the load above it?