FCC FCC Site Work & Foundation Systems

Question 1

In Florida, why is soil bearing capacity especially important before designing a foundation?

Accepted Answer

Florida's sandy and loose soils often have low bearing capacity, requiring engineered foundations

Answer

Florida soil is uniformly hard and needs no testing

Answer

All Florida soil is classified as expansive clay

Answer

Soil bearing capacity only matters for structures over 10 stories

Question 2

Which type of foundation is most commonly used in Florida residential construction due to the state's soil conditions and high water table?

Accepted Answer

Monolithic slab-on-grade

Answer

Full basement with waterproofing

Answer

Crawl space with wood floor framing

Answer

Driven steel H-piles

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a geotechnical (soil) investigation before construction begins?

Accepted Answer

To determine soil bearing capacity and identify subsurface conditions that affect foundation design

Answer

To check for buried utility lines only

Answer

To measure topographic elevation only

Answer

To test soil color and texture for landscaping purposes

Question 4

What does 'compaction testing' on a construction site verify?

Accepted Answer

That fill soils have been densified to the specified relative compaction percentage

Answer

That the concrete mix has the correct water-cement ratio

Answer

That the site drainage slopes away from the building

Answer

That the gravel base is the correct depth

Question 5

In Florida, the minimum distance that finished floor elevation must be above the crown of the road or flood zone base flood elevation is governed by:

Accepted Answer

Local floodplain management ordinances and FEMA flood zone requirements

Answer

Only the architect's preference

Answer

The International Residential Code without local amendment

Answer

OSHA site safety standards

Question 6

Which term describes the process of removing unsuitable soil and replacing it with engineered fill material?

Accepted Answer

Undercutting and backfilling

Answer

Dewatering

Answer

Shoring

Answer

Benching