Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

Quartzite has a surface allowable net bearing pressure of how many tons per square foot?

1. 60

2. 80

3. 100

4. 120

The correct answer is: 60

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms from sandstone under high pressure and temperature conditions, leading to a very dense and durable material. In the context of foundation design and construction, the allowable net bearing pressure refers to the maximum pressure that can be safely applied to the soil or rock without causing failure or excessive settlement. The correct answer, which is 60 tons per square foot, is based on engineering standards and practices that have established typical bearing capacities for various materials. Quartzite, due to its high density and strength, supports a substantial amount of weight but typically exhibits a maximum allowable bearing pressure in the range of 60 tons per square foot for safe structures. This value is crucial for construction supervisors when designing foundations or evaluating site conditions. Accurate knowledge of bearing pressures helps ensure that the structures built on such materials maintain safety and stability under loads. Higher values presented in the choices indicate either the characteristics of other materials or contexts that may not apply specifically to quartzite. Understanding these distinctions is important in making informed engineering decisions.