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ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) study materials
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ICC Structural Masonry Inspector (Exam 84) practice questions

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Question 1General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

Under the ICC family of masonry standards, which document is the primary model code that establishes minimum requirements for structural masonry design and construction?

  1. ASTM C90
  2. IBC Chapter 21 Correct answer.
  3. TMS 402/602
  4. ACI 530.1

Explanation

The International Building Code, in Chapter 21, is the model code that adopts and coordinates masonry requirements by reference to consensus standards such as TMS 402 and TMS 602. The consensus documents supply the technical provisions, but the code establishes the legal minimum scope.

Question 2General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A masonry inspector must verify that the special inspection requirements for masonry are being met on a project. Which document typically defines the scope of special inspection for masonry in a jurisdiction adopting the IBC?

  1. TMS 602 quality assurance tables only
  2. IBC Chapter 17 Correct answer.
  3. The project specifications alone
  4. The contractor's means and methods plan

Explanation

IBC Chapter 17 contains the structural special inspection provisions, including those for masonry, and defines when special inspection is required and what must be inspected. Project specifications and TMS 602 quality assurance provisions supplement but do not replace the code requirement.

Question 3General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

In the ICC masonry standards hierarchy, what is the role of TMS 602 relative to TMS 402?

  1. TMS 602 governs only empirical design
  2. TMS 602 supersedes TMS 402 for reinforced masonry
  3. TMS 602 is a materials testing standard for mortar
  4. TMS 602 provides the construction requirements that accompany the design provisions of TMS 402 Correct answer.

Explanation

TMS 402 contains design provisions and TMS 602 contains the corresponding construction requirements; the two are used together as a paired design/construction document set. TMS 602 addresses execution, materials, and quality assurance rather than design equations.

Question 4General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A project is designed using allowable stress design for masonry. Which referenced standard provides the allowable stress design provisions that an inspector would expect to see cited?

  1. TMS 602
  2. ASTM C476
  3. ASTM C270
  4. TMS 402 Correct answer.

Explanation

TMS 402 contains the structural design provisions, including allowable stress design, strength design, and empirical design methods for masonry. The other cited documents are construction or material specifications rather than design standards.

Question 5General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

Which organization is responsible for developing and maintaining the TMS 402 and TMS 602 masonry standards?

  1. ASTM International
  2. The International Code Council
  3. The Masonry Society Correct answer.
  4. The American Concrete Institute

Explanation

The Masonry Society (TMS) develops and maintains TMS 402 and TMS 602, which are then referenced by the IBC. ACI, ASTM, and ICC each publish related documents but are not the sponsoring organization for these two standards.

Question 6General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

An inspector is asked which document establishes the minimum compressive strength requirements for concrete masonry units used in a project. Which referenced standard is most directly applicable?

  1. ASTM C476
  2. ASTM C90 Correct answer.
  3. ASTM C270
  4. ASTM C780

Explanation

ASTM C90 is the standard specification for loadbearing concrete masonry units and sets physical requirements including compressive strength. The other ASTM standards address mortar, grout, and mortar evaluation respectively.

Question 7General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A designer specifies that clay masonry units must meet a referenced ASTM standard for facing brick. Which standard is the appropriate citation for graded facing brick?

  1. ASTM C62
  2. ASTM C216 Correct answer.
  3. ASTM C140
  4. ASTM C90

Explanation

ASTM C216 is the specification for facing brick (solid masonry units of clay or shale), while C62 covers building brick. C90 is a concrete masonry unit specification and C140 covers sampling and testing of masonry units.

Question 8General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

On a project adopting the IBC, a conflict arises between a referenced consensus standard and a specific code provision. How should the inspector resolve the conflict?

  1. Follow whichever document the contractor prefers
  2. Follow the referenced standard because it is more detailed
  3. Suspend work until the standards organization issues an interpretation
  4. Follow the code provision, since the code governs where conflicts exist Correct answer.

Explanation

The code is the adopted legal document, and referenced standards apply as they are incorporated by the code; where a specific code provision conflicts, the code governs. The inspector should document the conflict and route it through the design professional and building official.

Question 9General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A masonry wall is designed by empirical design provisions. Which statement best describes how those provisions relate to the referenced standards in this exam's domain?

  1. Empirical design requires strength design verification of every wall
  2. Empirical design provisions appear in TMS 402 and impose prescriptive limits on height, thickness, and lateral support Correct answer.
  3. Empirical design is prohibited by the IBC for all masonry
  4. Empirical design is found only in ASTM C90

Explanation

TMS 402 includes an empirical design method with prescriptive limitations on wall geometry and support conditions rather than calculated stresses. It is a recognized alternative design approach, not a prohibition or a materials specification.

Question 10General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

An inspector needs the acceptance criteria for mortar used in masonry construction. Which referenced standard most directly provides the mortar specification?

  1. ASTM C140
  2. ASTM C476
  3. ASTM C780
  4. ASTM C270 Correct answer.

Explanation

ASTM C270 is the standard specification for mortar for unit masonry and defines mortar types and proportions. ASTM C780 provides evaluation test methods, C476 covers grout, and C140 covers unit sampling and testing.

Question 11General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A project uses anchored veneer. Which referenced standard in the masonry family most directly addresses the design of anchored veneer?

  1. TMS 602
  2. ASTM C216
  3. TMS 402 Correct answer.
  4. ASTM C270

Explanation

TMS 402 contains the design provisions for anchored veneer, including attachment and support requirements. TMS 602 covers construction, and the ASTM documents cover brick and mortar materials.

Question 12General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

An inspector reviews the quality assurance provisions for masonry construction. Which document contains the quality assurance and inspection requirements that accompany the design standard?

  1. IBC Chapter 35
  2. TMS 602 Correct answer.
  3. ASTM C90
  4. TMS 402

Explanation

TMS 602 includes quality assurance provisions such as submittals, testing frequency, and inspection requirements for masonry construction. TMS 402 is the design document, C90 is a unit specification, and IBC Chapter 35 lists referenced standards.

Question 13General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A masonry prism test is specified to verify compressive strength. Which referenced standard most directly governs the construction and testing of masonry prisms?

  1. ASTM C90
  2. ASTM C1314 Correct answer.
  3. ASTM C476
  4. ASTM C270

Explanation

ASTM C1314 is the standard test method for compressive strength of masonry prisms. The other standards address unit materials, mortar, and grout rather than prism testing.

Question 14General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

An inspector is told a project's masonry design follows the strength design method. Which referenced document contains those strength design provisions?

  1. ASTM C140
  2. ASTM C1314
  3. TMS 402 Correct answer.
  4. TMS 602

Explanation

TMS 402 contains the strength design provisions for masonry, alongside allowable stress and empirical methods. TMS 602 covers construction, C1314 covers prism testing, and C140 covers unit sampling and testing.

Question 15General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A jurisdiction adopts the IBC but amends it to reference a specific edition of TMS 402 and TMS 602. What is the inspector's correct basis for determining applicable requirements?

  1. The editions named in the contractor's submittals
  2. The editions referenced by the adopted code as amended by the jurisdiction Correct answer.
  3. The editions that the testing laboratory prefers
  4. The latest editions of the standards regardless of adoption

Explanation

The applicable edition is the one incorporated by the adopted code, including any local amendments; later editions do not apply unless adopted. Submittals and laboratory preferences cannot override the adopted edition.

Question 16General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

An inspector is reviewing grout requirements for reinforced masonry. Which referenced standard most directly specifies grout for masonry construction?

  1. ASTM C90
  2. ASTM C476 Correct answer.
  3. ASTM C270
  4. ASTM C216

Explanation

ASTM C476 is the standard specification for grout for masonry and defines grout types and compressive strength requirements. The other documents cover mortar, concrete units, and facing brick.

Question 17General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A designer wants to use a masonry design method that is not explicitly described in TMS 402. Under a code that requires compliance with TMS 402, what is the most appropriate path for the inspector to expect?

  1. The alternative method is automatically permitted because TMS 402 is not exhaustive
  2. The alternative method is prohibited without exception
  3. The alternative method may be approved through the building official's alternate materials and methods provision with supporting documentation Correct answer.
  4. The inspector may approve the method on site

Explanation

Codes typically include an alternate materials and methods provision allowing approval of methods not specifically prescribed, based on evidence of equivalency submitted to the building official. The inspector documents but does not independently grant such approval.

Question 18General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A specification cites both TMS 602 and an ASTM mortar standard for the same mortar property, and the two differ. What principle should guide the inspector in interpreting the requirements?

  1. The less restrictive requirement governs to reduce cost
  2. The inspector selects whichever is easier to verify
  3. The ASTM standard always governs over TMS 602
  4. The more restrictive requirement generally governs unless the code states otherwise Correct answer.

Explanation

When a project specification incorporates multiple documents, the more restrictive applicable requirement generally controls unless the governing code specifies precedence. The inspector should confirm precedence through the design professional and building official rather than choosing arbitrarily.

Question 19General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

An inspector must confirm that a masonry mortar evaluation program is being conducted during construction. Which referenced standard most directly provides the methods for preconstruction and construction evaluation of mortars?

  1. ASTM C780 Correct answer.
  2. ASTM C270
  3. ASTM C1314
  4. ASTM C476

Explanation

ASTM C780 provides the test methods for preconstruction and construction evaluation of mortars for plain and reinforced unit masonry. C270 specifies the mortar, C1314 covers prisms, and C476 covers grout.

Question 20General provisions, scope, and referenced standards

A project's drawings reference TMS 402 for design and TMS 602 for construction, but the general notes also cite a masonry materials standard for unit sampling and testing. Which standard most directly addresses sampling and testing of masonry units?

  1. ASTM C1314
  2. ASTM C140 Correct answer.
  3. ASTM C90
  4. ASTM C270

Explanation

ASTM C140 provides methods of sampling and testing masonry units, including concrete and clay units. C90 sets concrete unit requirements, C270 covers mortar, and C1314 covers prism testing.

Question 21Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Under ASTM C90, what is the minimum net area compressive strength required for a loadbearing concrete masonry unit?

  1. 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa)
  2. 1,900 psi (13.1 MPa) Correct answer.
  3. 2,500 psi (17.2 MPa)
  4. 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa)

Explanation

ASTM C90 for loadbearing concrete masonry units requires a minimum net area compressive strength of 1,900 psi averaged over the sample, with no individual unit below 1,700 psi. This value applies to the net area, not the gross area, so the coring must be accounted for when checking compliance.

Question 22Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A set of ASTM C270 Type S mortar is being proportioned by volume. What is the standard proportion of portland cement to hydrated lime to sand?

  1. 1 : 2 : 9
  2. 1 : 1/4 to 1/2 : 3 to 4 Correct answer.
  3. 1 : 1 : 6
  4. 1 : 1/2 : 4 1/2

Explanation

Type S mortar is proportioned at one part portland cement, one-quarter to one-half part hydrated lime, and three to four parts sand by volume. This mix achieves the high compressive strength and good bond required for structural masonry in high-wind or seismic zones.

Question 23Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which mortar type provides the highest compressive strength among the portland cement-lime mortars in ASTM C270?

  1. Type O
  2. Type N
  3. Type S
  4. Type M Correct answer.

Explanation

Type M mortar has the highest cement content and therefore the highest compressive strength, typically 2,500 psi. It is used for masonry below grade, in contact with earth, and where high compressive loads occur.

Question 24Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

What is the purpose of the lime in a portland cement-lime mortar?

  1. It improves workability and water retention Correct answer.
  2. It reduces the required sand volume
  3. It increases the compressive strength of the hardened mortar
  4. It accelerates the set time of the mortar

Explanation

Hydrated lime plasticizes the mortar, improving workability and water retention so the mortar stays spreadable and bonds properly to absorptive units. It does not increase strength; in fact, higher lime content generally lowers compressive strength.

Question 25Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which ASTM standard covers the sampling and testing of mortar for compressive strength in the laboratory?

  1. ASTM C270
  2. ASTM C109 Correct answer.
  3. ASTM C1314
  4. ASTM C780

Explanation

ASTM C109 covers compressive strength testing of hydraulic cement mortars using 2-inch cube specimens. ASTM C780 covers field sampling and testing of mortar, while ASTM C270 is the mortar specification and C1314 covers masonry prism testing.

Question 26Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which type of masonry cement is permitted for use in mortar under ASTM C91?

  1. Type S and N only
  2. Type I and II only
  3. Type M and S only
  4. Type M, S, N, and O Correct answer.

Explanation

ASTM C91 masonry cement is classified into Types M, S, N, and O, corresponding to the mortar types they are intended to produce. Masonry cement is a preblended product that includes cementitious material and plasticizers, so no additional lime is added in the field.

Question 27Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

What does the designation 'S' indicate for a deformed steel reinforcing bar used in masonry?

  1. The bar is stainless steel
  2. The bar is epoxy coated
  3. The bar is a smooth (plain) bar
  4. The bar is a billet-steel deformed bar Correct answer.

Explanation

In ASTM A615 bar markings, 'S' denotes billet-steel deformed reinforcement, while 'W' denotes low-alloy steel and 'R' denotes rail-steel. The letter is part of the mill-rolled bar marking system used for identification in the field.

Question 28Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which accessory is installed at the base of a masonry wall to control water penetration and provide a flashing termination?

  1. Weep hole
  2. Cavity drain
  3. Bond beam
  4. Through-wall flashing Correct answer.

Explanation

Through-wall flashing is placed at the base of a cavity or at interruptions to direct water that has entered the wall back to the exterior. It is combined with weep holes so collected moisture can exit the wall.

Question 29Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A specification requires 3/8-inch diameter horizontal joint reinforcement at 16 inches on center. What is the primary structural function of this reinforcement?

  1. Providing anchorage for roof framing
  2. Increasing the fire-resistance rating of the wall
  3. Resisting vertical compressive loads in the wall
  4. Resisting out-of-plane bending and controlling shrinkage cracking Correct answer.

Explanation

Horizontal joint reinforcement is placed in the bed joint to control shrinkage and temperature cracking and to resist out-of-plane bending by tying the wythes together. It does not carry significant vertical load, which is the role of the masonry itself.

Question 30Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which grout consistency is appropriate for filling small masonry cores and collar joints by pumping without segregation?

  1. A dry, stiff mix with low water content
  2. A fluid mix with a slump of 8 to 11 inches Correct answer.
  3. A mix with a slump of 2 to 4 inches
  4. A mix proportioned with no coarse aggregate

Explanation

Fine grout and coarse grout for pumping are typically proportioned and mixed to a slump of about 8 to 11 inches to flow into cores and collar joints without segregation. A stiffer mix would bridge and leave voids in narrow spaces.

Question 31Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A masonry inspector observes that the mortar on the mortar board has been retempered twice over 2 1/2 hours. What is the correct action?

  1. Add additional portland cement to restore the mix
  2. Reject the mortar and require it to be discarded Correct answer.
  3. Add water only and continue placing
  4. Allow continued use if the mortar is still plastic

Explanation

Mortar that has begun to set cannot be restored to its original properties by retempering, and retempering is generally limited to within a short time after initial mixing. Mortar more than about 2 1/2 hours old or that has stiffened beyond a workable state must be discarded.

Question 32Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which condition most directly indicates that a mortar sample should be rejected during field sampling under ASTM C780?

  1. The sample was taken using a clean, non-absorptive container
  2. The sample was taken from a batch mixed less than 15 minutes earlier
  3. The sample was taken from the middle of the batch
  4. The sample was taken from a batch mixed more than 2 hours earlier Correct answer.

Explanation

Field samples must represent mortar as it is being placed; mortar that has been mixed for an extended period has begun to hydrate and does not represent the specified mix. ASTM C780 requires sampling fresh mortar promptly and handling it to prevent moisture loss before testing.

Question 33Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which of the following best describes a Type N mortar relative to Type S in terms of bond and durability for above-grade exterior walls?

  1. Type N is unsuitable for any exterior application
  2. Type N is weaker but more workable and is generally acceptable for moderate exposure Correct answer.
  3. Type N is stronger and more durable than Type S
  4. Type N has the same strength as Type S but lower lime content

Explanation

Type N mortar has a lower compressive strength than Type S but greater workability and is generally acceptable for above-grade exterior walls in moderate exposure. Type S is preferred where high flexural bond or lateral loads occur.

Question 34Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A hollow concrete masonry unit has a net area of 48 square inches and a gross area of 64 square inches. If the unit is tested at 2,400 psi on the net area, what is the equivalent gross area compressive strength?

  1. 3,200 psi
  2. 2,400 psi
  3. 1,200 psi
  4. 1,800 psi Correct answer.

Explanation

Gross area strength equals net area strength multiplied by the net-to-gross area ratio. Here the ratio is 48/64 = 0.75, so 2,400 psi x 0.75 = 1,800 psi.

Question 35Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which statement correctly describes the difference between fine grout and coarse grout under ASTM C476?

  1. Coarse grout must have a slump below 4 inches
  2. Coarse grout may contain coarse aggregate and is used for larger cores and cavities Correct answer.
  3. Fine grout is used only for reinforced masonry
  4. Fine grout contains no aggregate at all

Explanation

Fine grout is proportioned with sand only, while coarse grout may include coarse aggregate and is suitable for cores and cavities large enough to accommodate it. Fine grout is used where spaces are too small for coarse aggregate.

Question 36Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

During inspection, a contractor proposes using a mortar mix with a compressive strength of 2,500 psi for a wall specified as Type N. What is the appropriate inspector response?

  1. Reject the mix because it does not match the specified mortar type Correct answer.
  2. Approve the mix if the wall is below grade
  3. Approve the mix if the sand is washed
  4. Approve the mix because higher strength is always better

Explanation

Mortar type is specified for a reason; a much stronger mortar can be less workable, less able to accommodate movement, and may not match the design assumptions for bond and flexibility. The inspector should require the mix to conform to the specified Type N proportions or approved equivalent.

Question 37Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which reinforcement accessory is used to tie a masonry wall to a concrete or steel frame and accommodate differential movement?

  1. Joint reinforcement with a slip joint Correct answer.
  2. A bond beam with vertical bars
  3. A lintel with a bearing plate
  4. A wall tie with a flexible anchor

Explanation

Joint reinforcement with a slip joint (often a slotted or debonded detail) allows the wall to move relative to the frame while still providing lateral ties. This accommodates shrinkage and deflection without introducing unintended restraint forces.

Question 38Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which statement correctly describes the role of a bond beam in masonry construction?

  1. It is a continuous horizontal reinforced course that distributes loads and resists lateral forces Correct answer.
  2. It is a decorative course of projecting units
  3. It is a drainage layer behind the veneer
  4. It is a vertical reinforced column cast in a core

Explanation

A bond beam is a horizontally continuous reinforced masonry element, typically formed with special U-shaped units and grout, that distributes loads and resists lateral and uplift forces. It is often used at the top of walls, over openings, and at floor levels.

Question 39Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

An inspector finds that the mortar joints in a newly constructed wall are consistently 3/8 inch wide and the units are hollow concrete masonry. Which statement is correct?

  1. The joint width is acceptable only for glass block
  2. The joint width is too narrow and must be rebuilt
  3. The joint width is too wide and must be tooled down
  4. The joint width is acceptable for standard concrete masonry construction Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard bed and head joints in concrete masonry are typically 3/8 inch, which is within the usual acceptable range of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The observed 3/8 inch joint therefore conforms to typical construction tolerances.

Question 40Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which test method is used to determine the compressive strength of masonry prisms constructed from units, mortar, and grout?

  1. ASTM C1314 Correct answer.
  2. ASTM C91
  3. ASTM C780
  4. ASTM C270

Explanation

ASTM C1314 covers the construction and testing of masonry prisms to determine compressive strength. Prism testing is used to verify that the assembled masonry meets the specified compressive strength f'm.

Question 41Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A masonry wall uses a mortar with a high air content to improve workability. Which effect should the inspector anticipate?

  1. Reduced compressive strength and increased water retention Correct answer.
  2. Increased compressive strength and lower permeability
  3. Increased bond and reduced water retention
  4. No effect on strength but reduced bond

Explanation

Air entrainment improves workability and water retention but generally reduces compressive strength as air content rises. The inspector should verify that the strength still meets the specified mortar type requirements.

Question 42Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

Which statement about the placement of reinforcement in a masonry wall is correct?

  1. Reinforcement may be substituted with wire mesh in all cases
  2. Reinforcement may be laid on the exterior face without grout
  3. Reinforcement must be embedded in grout within the core or collar joint to develop bond Correct answer.
  4. Reinforcement must be placed only in horizontal bed joints

Explanation

Reinforcing bars in masonry must be embedded in grout so that bond and anchorage develop along the bar. Bars placed without surrounding grout cannot transfer load to the masonry.

Question 43Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A grout mix is specified with a maximum aggregate size of 3/8 inch. What does this typically indicate about the grout?

  1. It is coarse grout suitable for large cores
  2. It is a self-consolidating grout with no aggregate
  3. It is fine grout suitable for small cores and collar joints Correct answer.
  4. It is a mortar mix, not a grout

Explanation

Fine grout is proportioned with aggregate passing a 3/8 inch sieve, making it suitable for narrow cores and collar joints. Coarse grout uses larger aggregate and requires wider spaces.

Question 44Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

An inspector observes that reinforcing bars in a grouted cell have less than the required cover to the face of the masonry. Which consequence is most significant?

  1. Reduced shrinkage of the grout
  2. Improved bond between grout and bar
  3. Increased compressive strength of the wall
  4. Increased risk of corrosion and reduced fire protection Correct answer.

Explanation

Adequate cover protects reinforcement from moisture intrusion and provides fire resistance. Insufficient cover increases the risk of corrosion and reduces the fire endurance of the assembly.

Question 45Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A contractor proposes to use a Type S mortar with a 1:1/2:4 1/2 proportion for a wall specified as Type M. Which statement best describes the adequacy of this substitution?

  1. It is acceptable only for interior walls
  2. It is not acceptable because Type S is weaker than the required Type M Correct answer.
  3. It is acceptable if the sand is washed and the lime is increased
  4. It is acceptable because Type S exceeds Type M in strength

Explanation

Type M has a higher cement content and compressive strength than Type S, so substituting Type S does not meet the specified strength. The inspector should require the specified Type M proportions or an approved equivalent.

Question 46Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

An inspector is reviewing the submittal for a masonry wall and finds that the specified mortar cement is labeled as meeting ASTM C1329 Type S. What does this designation establish about the material?

  1. It is a masonry cement whose compressive strength is lower than that of mortar cement and whose air content is uncontrolled
  2. It is a non-hydraulic lime putty intended only for repointing historic masonry and not for structural mortar
  3. It is a Portland-cement-lime blend whose air content is intentionally entrained to a fixed range for freeze-thaw resistance
  4. It is a hydraulic cement for mortar that meets a specified compressive strength requirement and may contain limestone, with no requirement for air content Correct answer.

Explanation

ASTM C1329 covers mortar cement, a hydraulic cement for use in masonry mortar that is classified by compressive strength (Types N, S, and M) and may contain limestone additions. Unlike ASTM C91 masonry cement, mortar cement has no requirement for entrained air content, so the inspector should not expect an air-content range on the label.

Question 47Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A set of masonry units is delivered to the site with a label stating that the units comply with ASTM C90. Which statement best describes the units an inspector should expect?

  1. Hollow nonloadbearing concrete units intended for partitions, with no minimum compressive strength requirement
  2. Autoclaved aerated concrete units with a specified oven-dry density and a low compressive strength range
  3. Solid or hollow loadbearing concrete masonry units with minimum net-area compressive strength requirements and limits on absorption Correct answer.
  4. Calcium silicate face brick manufactured to a modular size and graded for severe weathering

Explanation

ASTM C90 is the specification for loadbearing concrete masonry units, which may be solid or hollow and must meet minimum net-area compressive strength limits based on their class, along with absorption and dimensional requirements. The inspector should verify the label, the unit dimensions, and the compressive strength reported on the manufacturer's documentation.

Question 48Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A wall is detailed with a prefabricated galvanized steel lintel spanning an opening in an exterior wall. The inspector notes that the lintel bears only about 2 inches on each side of the opening and that no provision exists for movement at the ends. Which concern is most appropriate?

  1. The lintel is acceptable because steel lintels are intended to carry only their own weight and not the masonry above
  2. The lintel is acceptable because galvanized steel lintels never require a specified bearing length in exterior walls
  3. The bearing length is short enough to concentrate stress on the masonry and, combined with restrained ends, can cause cracking as the steel expands and the wall deflects Correct answer.
  4. The lintel should be replaced with a reinforced masonry bond beam because steel lintels are prohibited over openings in exterior walls

Explanation

Steel lintels must bear on the masonry enough to distribute the reaction without overstressing the units or mortar at the ends, and the detail should allow for the different movement of steel and masonry. Short bearing combined with ends that cannot accommodate movement concentrates stress and promotes cracking and spalling at the bearing points.

Question 49Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

An inspector is checking the reinforcement for a grouted masonry wall and finds that the vertical bars in the cells have been placed with the specified lap length, but the bars are bundled tightly against one face of the cell. What is the most significant effect of this placement?

  1. The grout cannot fully surround the bars, so the required cover and bond around the reinforcement are reduced Correct answer.
  2. The bars act as a grout stop, which increases the effective grout lift height
  3. The bars prevent the mortar from curing, which lowers the compressive strength of the mortar
  4. The lap length becomes excessive, which reduces the capacity of the reinforcement

Explanation

Reinforcement must be positioned so that grout completely surrounds it and provides the specified cover to the face of the masonry. Bars placed against the cell face reduce the grout cover around the bar, which reduces the bond and the protection against corrosion, so the inspector should require the bars to be repositioned before grouting.

Question 50Materials: masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessories

A mortar specification requires a Type S mortar and permits either a proportion specification or a property specification. The contractor submits a mix design using a masonry cement and sand with no separate lime addition. Which statement best describes how the inspector should evaluate the submittal?

  1. The mix is automatically acceptable because masonry cement always produces Type S mortar regardless of the sand ratio
  2. The mix must be rejected because masonry cement may never be used in a Type S mortar
  3. The mix must be evaluated only by the property specification, because proportion limits do not apply when masonry cement is used
  4. The mix must comply with the proportion requirements for the chosen cementitious material, and the masonry cement must meet its own ASTM specification for the required type Correct answer.

Explanation

When masonry cement is used, the mortar is batched to the proportion limits given for that cementitious material in the mortar specification, and the masonry cement itself must conform to ASTM C91 for the type required. The inspector should confirm both the cement specification and the aggregate-to-cementitious-material ratio rather than assuming the type is achieved automatically.