North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

For what purpose must welded splices develop specified yield strength?

1. For insulation

2. To support vertical loads

3. To resist shear forces

4. To develop in tension or compression

The correct answer is: To develop in tension or compression

Welded splices must develop the specified yield strength primarily to ensure that they can effectively transfer tension or compression forces within a structural system without failing. When a welded splice is made, it needs to be capable of handling the forces that are exerted on it during the normal use of the structure, as well as any additional forces that might occur, such as those caused by wind, seismic activity, or other loads. Developing the specified yield strength means that the welded joint is designed to perform reliably under tension or compression, ensuring that the structural integrity of the overall system is maintained. This is critical in engineering design, as failing to meet this requirement could result in structural weaknesses or failures, compromising safety and functionality. The other options, such as insulation or supporting vertical loads, may be relevant in different contexts, but they do not directly relate to the fundamental requirement for welded splices to perform under tension or compression. Shear forces are also important to consider, but focusing on tension and compression is key in evaluating the strength and effectiveness of the weld.