North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the maximum size of reinforcement that can be used in masonry?

1. No. 10

2. No. 12

3. No. 15

4. No. 20

The correct answer is: No. 15

The maximum size of reinforcement that can be used in masonry is indeed No. 15. This size is commonly permitted in masonry design according to standard building codes and engineering practices. The selection of reinforcement size is crucial for ensuring the overall structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of masonry walls. Choosing the appropriate reinforcement size helps distribute loads effectively and provides adequate tensile strength to resist cracking and other structural failures. While larger sizes like No. 20 may be strong, they are not typically used in masonry applications due to potential issues with handling, placement, and effective bonding within the mortar and masonry units. Additionally, other sizes like No. 10 or No. 12 are valid but fall below the maximum size threshold designated in many codes for enhanced structural needs. Thus, No. 15 is recognized as a balanced option that meets the necessary requirements while also being practical for construction use.