Residential Building Inspector Practice Exam

What is the load-bearing capacity of silty gravel in pounds per square foot?

1. 1,500

2. 2,000

3. 2,500

4. 3,000

The correct answer is: 2,000

The load-bearing capacity of silty gravel is typically around 2,000 pounds per square foot. This type of soil exhibits properties that allow it to support substantial weight, making it a favorable material for building foundations. Silty gravel is a combination of gravel and silt, which contributes to its overall stability and uniformity. The presence of gravel helps to maintain strength while the silt enhances water retention and overall compaction, leading to effective load distribution across the ground. In construction and engineering, understanding the load-bearing capacity of soil is critical for ensuring that the structures built on it have adequate support. Utilizing silty gravel aligns with common engineering practices, where a capacity of 2,000 pounds per square foot is generally accepted for this soil type, thereby facilitating safe and stable construction.