Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

What is the minimum depth of anchor bolts into a concrete or masonry in a two-family house foundation?

1. 15 inches

2. 8 inches

3. 7 inches

4. 6 inches

The correct answer is: 7 inches

The minimum depth of anchor bolts into concrete or masonry for a two-family house foundation is generally established to ensure a secure and stable connection that can support the load of the structure. This requirement is largely influenced by factors such as the materials used, the loads imposed, and local building codes. A depth of 7 inches is often specified in code requirements because it provides sufficient embedment to secure the bolt against shear and tensile forces that may occur due to structural loads, environmental factors, or seismic activity. Proper embedment also helps to prevent issues like pullout or movement of the bolts, which can compromise the integrity of the foundation and, by extension, the entire structure. A depth of 6 inches, while it may seem minimal, does not provide the same level of assurance against potential movement or failure of the anchor system under load. Any greater depth like 8 inches or 15 inches could be unnecessarily excessive for typical applications in a two-family house foundation, which may not be required by building codes. Adhering to the established minimum of 7 inches ensures compliance with safety standards while not over-engineering the system.