California Residential Inspector Practice Exam

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Prepare for the California Residential Inspector Exam. Utilize interactive quizzes and detailed explanations to master the required knowledge. Enhance your test-taking skills and boost your confidence for achieving high scores!

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A stepped footing shall occur when the bottom surface of the footing exceeds a slope of what percentage?

  1. 5 percent

  2. 10 percent

  3. 15 percent

  4. 20 percent

The correct answer is: 10 percent

A stepped footing is required when the bottom surface of the footing exceeds a slope of 10 percent. This is crucial for providing stability in situations where the ground beneath the footing is sloped. When the slope exceeds this percentage, a continuous footing could risk sliding or settling improperly, undermining the structural integrity of the building. The design of a stepped footing allows for a more effective distribution of loads and better support on uneven terrain. Footings must adhere to specific engineering principles to ensure they can adequately support the weight and dimensions of the structure above while accounting for the geology and topography of the site. A slope greater than 10 percent necessitates a stepped approach to maintain proper support and prevent potential foundation failure.