North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

When are steps in continuous footings required?

1. When the slope exceeds 1:20

2. When the slope exceeds 1:10

3. When the slope exceeds 1:12

4. When the slope exceeds 1:5

The correct answer is: When the slope exceeds 1:12

Steps in continuous footings are required when the slope exceeds 1:12. This requirement exists to ensure that the footing maintains stability and structural integrity in sloped terrain. As the slope of the ground increases, the risk of differential settling and the stress on the foundation also increase. Continuous footings are designed to distribute the weight of the structure evenly, and when faced with a slope greater than 1:12, the footing must step down to provide adequate support and prevent issues associated with soil movement. The footing steps help create a more level base for the building, which is crucial on sloped sites where the ground conditions can vary significantly. Without this adjustment, the continuous footing might not effectively manage the load-bearing requirements, ultimately risking the structure's stability. Understanding these proportional relationships between slope and footing design is essential for builders and contractors to ensure safety and compliance with building codes.