Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

Footings must be stepped if they have a slope exceeding what percentage?

1. 5%

2. 10%

3. 8%

4. 12%

The correct answer is: 10%

Footings are critical structural elements that support the weight of a building and help distribute its load to the ground. When dealing with sloped terrain, footings may need to be stepped to ensure stability and prevent sliding or settling issues. The percentage at which footings must be stepped is determined by best practices in construction to maintain structural integrity. The correct percentage is 10%. At slopes greater than 10%, stepping the footings enhances their performance by creating a larger base area that adapts to the slope, thereby improving load distribution and reducing the risk of failure. In the context of the other percentages, while slopes of 5%, 8%, or 12% could affect footing design, none of these percentages accurately define the critical threshold for required adjustments. Specifically, 10% is recognized by construction standards as the point at which stepping becomes necessary to help mitigate potential risks associated with steeper grades. Thus, understanding and applying this critical percentage is essential for ensuring the durability and safety of the constructed building.