Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

In conventional light frame construction, the minimum width of a footing is determined by the load it must support and the soil bearing capacity. For a soil bearing capacity of 2,000 pounds per square foot, the width of the footing can be computed using the building code guidelines, which typically suggest a minimum footing width suitable to distribute the building load effectively. In this scenario, a 12-inch width is sufficient to adequately support the typical loads associated with a two-story single family dwelling given the specified soil bearing capacity. This width ensures that the pressure exerted by the footing does not exceed the soil's capacity, thus preventing settlement or failure. Wider footings (like 15 inches, 20 inches, or 24 inches) would certainly provide a greater factor of safety but are not legally required under these specific conditions. Therefore, 12 inches is the minimum width considered appropriate for the given parameters, aligning with typical construction practices and safety considerations outlined in the building codes.