Masonry Contractor License Exam Questions With
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1. What is the primary purpose of mortar in masonry construction?
a. To increase compressive strength of masonry units
b. To bond masonry units together and accommodate movement
c. To waterproof the wall
d. To replace reinforcement
Answer: b
Mortar bonds masonry units, seals joints, and allows minor movement, reducing cracking.
2. Which mortar type is most commonly used for above-grade exterior load-bearing walls?
a. Type O
b. Type N
c. Type S
d. Type K
Answer: c
Type S provides higher compressive strength and durability for structural walls.
3. Which masonry unit has the highest compressive strength?
a. Clay brick
b. Concrete masonry unit (CMU)
c. Stone
d. Glass block
Answer: c
Natural stone generally has the highest compressive strength among masonry materials.
4. The minimum lap splice length for reinforcing bars in masonry is primarily based on:
a. Bar diameter and concrete strength
,b. Wall thickness only
c. Mortar type only
d. Exposure conditions only
Answer: a
Lap length depends on bar size and material strength to ensure proper load transfer.
5. Efflorescence on masonry walls is caused by:
a. Structural settlement
b. Salt migration and moisture evaporation
c. Improper curing
d. Excessive reinforcement
Answer: b
Efflorescence occurs when soluble salts are carried to the surface by moisture.
6. Control joints in CMU walls are installed to:
a. Increase load capacity
b. Control cracking due to shrinkage
c. Improve insulation
d. Support floor loads
Answer: b
Control joints allow movement and reduce random cracking.
7. The standard nominal size of a CMU block is:
a. 7⅝ in × 7⅝ in × 15⅝ in
b. 8 in × 8 in × 16 in
c. 6 in × 8 in × 18 in
d. 10 in × 4 in × 16 in
Answer: b
CMUs are referred to by nominal dimensions including mortar joints.
8. Which bond pattern is strongest for brick masonry?
a. Running bond
b. Stack bond
c. English bond
, d. Flemish bond
Answer: c
English bond alternates courses for increased structural strength.
9. Flashing in masonry walls is used to:
a. Support wall loads
b. Direct water out of the wall
c. Reinforce mortar joints
d. Increase fire resistance
Answer: b
Flashing prevents water penetration by channeling moisture outward.
10. Weep holes should be spaced approximately:
a. Every 6 inches
b. Every 12 inches
c. Every 24–32 inches
d. Every 60 inches
Answer: c
Typical spacing allows proper drainage without compromising wall strength.
11. Which tool is used to strike mortar joints?
a. Trowel
b. Jointer
c. Float
d. Hawk
Answer: b
Jointing compacts mortar and improves durability.
12. Masonry walls resist compression best when loads are applied:
a. Eccentrically
b. Uniformly and concentrically
c. Laterally
d. At wall edges
Detailed Verified Answers|Already Graded
A+||Brand New!!
1. What is the primary purpose of mortar in masonry construction?
a. To increase compressive strength of masonry units
b. To bond masonry units together and accommodate movement
c. To waterproof the wall
d. To replace reinforcement
Answer: b
Mortar bonds masonry units, seals joints, and allows minor movement, reducing cracking.
2. Which mortar type is most commonly used for above-grade exterior load-bearing walls?
a. Type O
b. Type N
c. Type S
d. Type K
Answer: c
Type S provides higher compressive strength and durability for structural walls.
3. Which masonry unit has the highest compressive strength?
a. Clay brick
b. Concrete masonry unit (CMU)
c. Stone
d. Glass block
Answer: c
Natural stone generally has the highest compressive strength among masonry materials.
4. The minimum lap splice length for reinforcing bars in masonry is primarily based on:
a. Bar diameter and concrete strength
,b. Wall thickness only
c. Mortar type only
d. Exposure conditions only
Answer: a
Lap length depends on bar size and material strength to ensure proper load transfer.
5. Efflorescence on masonry walls is caused by:
a. Structural settlement
b. Salt migration and moisture evaporation
c. Improper curing
d. Excessive reinforcement
Answer: b
Efflorescence occurs when soluble salts are carried to the surface by moisture.
6. Control joints in CMU walls are installed to:
a. Increase load capacity
b. Control cracking due to shrinkage
c. Improve insulation
d. Support floor loads
Answer: b
Control joints allow movement and reduce random cracking.
7. The standard nominal size of a CMU block is:
a. 7⅝ in × 7⅝ in × 15⅝ in
b. 8 in × 8 in × 16 in
c. 6 in × 8 in × 18 in
d. 10 in × 4 in × 16 in
Answer: b
CMUs are referred to by nominal dimensions including mortar joints.
8. Which bond pattern is strongest for brick masonry?
a. Running bond
b. Stack bond
c. English bond
, d. Flemish bond
Answer: c
English bond alternates courses for increased structural strength.
9. Flashing in masonry walls is used to:
a. Support wall loads
b. Direct water out of the wall
c. Reinforce mortar joints
d. Increase fire resistance
Answer: b
Flashing prevents water penetration by channeling moisture outward.
10. Weep holes should be spaced approximately:
a. Every 6 inches
b. Every 12 inches
c. Every 24–32 inches
d. Every 60 inches
Answer: c
Typical spacing allows proper drainage without compromising wall strength.
11. Which tool is used to strike mortar joints?
a. Trowel
b. Jointer
c. Float
d. Hawk
Answer: b
Jointing compacts mortar and improves durability.
12. Masonry walls resist compression best when loads are applied:
a. Eccentrically
b. Uniformly and concentrically
c. Laterally
d. At wall edges
