Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

Wood beams and girders shall be of sawn or glued-laminated timber and not less than:

1. 6" wide x 8" deep nominal

2. 8" nominal in any direction

3. 8" wide x 10" deep nominal

4. 6" wide x 10" deep nominal

The correct answer is: 6" wide x 10" deep nominal

Wood beams and girders play a crucial role in the structural integrity of a building, and certain guidelines are established to ensure they provide adequate support. The requirement for wood beams and girders to be not less than 6 inches wide by 10 inches deep, as stated in the correct choice, reflects the minimum size needed to effectively carry loads and resist bending. This minimum dimension provides a balance between strength and material usage. A beam's depth is particularly significant because the deeper a beam is, the more load it can carry before bending. Meanwhile, the width also contributes to the beam's capacity to resist lateral stability and buckling. By stipulating specific dimensions, building codes aim to standardize construction practices, ensuring safety and reliability in structures. Additionally, the choice of sawn or glued-laminated timber indicates a preference for materials that provide the necessary strength characteristics while allowing for flexibility in design. Glued-laminated timber, for instance, can achieve greater spans and load capacities compared to solid sawn timber due to the way its layers are bonded together. Therefore, adhering to these specified dimensions is essential for ensuring that beams and girders can adequately support structural loads, which is why the given choice is the correct answer in this context.