Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

In masonry cavity walls, wall ties are essential components that help maintain the structural integrity and stability of the wall system. The maximum horizontal distance between wall ties is critical to ensuring that the wall can withstand lateral forces, such as wind pressure, and to prevent cracking or bowing.

The correct maximum horizontal distance is 36 inches. This allows for sufficient support and connection between the inner and outer leaf of a cavity wall, ensuring that the wall acts as a unified system. By adhering to this spacing, it helps maintain the durability of the wall over time and complies with building codes and best practices in construction.

Choosing a greater distance, such as 42 inches or more, may compromise the structural performance of the masonry. Similarly, opting for a smaller spacing like 24 inches or 18 inches could lead to unnecessary material costs and labor, as well as increased complexity during installation without any additional structural benefit. Thus, using 36 inches strikes a balance between safety, performance, and efficiency in masonry construction.