North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is a common requirement when using wood girders in construction?

1. They must be treated for termites

2. They must have a load-bearing capacity certified

3. They must not support masonry

4. They must be made from hardwood

The correct answer is: They must not support masonry

Using wood girders in construction typically involves specific structural requirements to ensure safety and durability. The assertion that wood girders must not support masonry is significant because wood has different physical properties compared to masonry materials like brick or concrete. Wood girders can flex or warp under heavy loads, and the combination of their inherent flexibility with the non-flexible nature of masonry can lead to structural issues. For this reason, it is crucial to avoid scenarios where wood girders directly support masonry, as this could compromise the integrity of the entire structure. In many cases, other materials or frameworks may be more suitable to handle the superior weight and rigidity required when supporting masonry. This guideline helps prevent potential failures in the structure where the wood behaves differently than the masonry, thus ensuring a safer building environment overall.