ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

What is the recommended number of borings to assess rock competency during foundation construction?

1. None

2. Shallow

3. Sufficient

4. Standard

The correct answer is: Sufficient

To assess rock competency during foundation construction, the recommended approach is to conduct a sufficient number of borings. This ensures that the investigation covers enough ground to gather accurate and representative information about the rock's properties and stability. Sufficient borings help identify variations in rock quality, depth, and any potential issues that may impact the integrity of the foundation. In foundation engineering, understanding the underlying rock conditions is crucial, as inadequate data can lead to improper design decisions. By taking a sufficient number of samples, engineers can make informed decisions on the appropriate foundation type, depth, and placement, thereby enhancing safety and performance. Other terms like none, shallow, and standard do not adequately capture the need for comprehensive site investigation. "None" implies that no borings would be conducted, which is insufficient for understanding rock conditions. "Shallow" may limit the assessment to only the upper layers of rock, neglecting deeper rock characteristics that could be critical. "Standard" lacks specificity regarding the volume of borings needed, as standards can vary significantly based on the site conditions and project requirements. Thus, utilizing "sufficient" reflects a more tailored and adequate approach for rock competency assessment in foundation construction.