Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

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Courses of concrete masonry units (CMUs), or concrete blocks, after the starting course have bed joints 3/8" thick. What is the minimum thickness and maximum thickness of the bed joint for the starting course over the foundation?

A. 1/4" to 3/4"
B. 3/8" to 1/2"
C. 3/8" to 3/4"
D. 1/2" to 3/4"

The correct answer is: A. 1/4" to 3/4"

The correct range for the minimum and maximum thickness of the bed joint for the starting course over the foundation is indeed 1/4" to 3/4". This specification is essential because the starting course serves as the foundational layer for subsequent courses of concrete masonry units, which means that it needs to be appropriately set for stability and proper load distribution. For a minimum thickness of 1/4", this ensures that there is enough mortar to adequately bond the CMUs to the foundation without compromising the structural integrity. At the same time, allowing a maximum thickness of 3/4" accommodates variations in the foundation surface and can help in leveling the starting course as necessary. Understanding the tolerances in joint thickness is crucial for ensuring adequate adhesion and to prevent structural issues that could arise from either too thin a joint—leading to insufficient bonding—or too thick a joint—which could introduce weak spots in the masonry wall. The specified range of 1/4" to 3/4" balance these considerations for practical construction practices.