Ontario Building Code Examiner Structural
Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete used for
footings under a residential building in Ontario?
A) 15 MPa
B) 20 MPa
C) 25 MPa
D) 30 MPa
Footings require sufficient compressive strength to safely transfer
loads to soil, typically 25 MPa for residential structures.
2. The required live load for residential floors under the Ontario
Building Code is:
A) 1.5 kPa
B) 1.9 kPa
C) 2.4 kPa
D) 3.0 kPa
The OBC specifies 1.9 kPa as the minimum live load for typical
residential floors.
3. Which of the following materials is considered combustible in
structural design under the OBC?
A) Steel
B) Concrete
, C) Wood
D) Masonry
Wood is classified as a combustible material and requires fire
protection measures.
4. The maximum spacing of 2x10 floor joists supporting a typical
residential floor is:
A) 300 mm
B) 400 mm
C) 450 mm
D) 600 mm
OBC allows up to 450 mm spacing for 2x10 joists under standard
loads.
5. For a single-storey residential building, the minimum roof live load
in Ontario is:
A) 0.6 kPa
B) 0.75 kPa
C) 1.0 kPa
D) 1.5 kPa
Roof live load accounts for maintenance and occasional snow;
minimum is 1.0 kPa.
6. Which type of foundation is most commonly required for Ontario
residential buildings on clay soil?
A) Raft foundation
B) Pile foundation
C) Spread footing
D) Caisson
, Spread footings are economical and suitable for low-rise
residential structures on stable soils.
7. When designing reinforced concrete beams, the minimum
concrete cover over main reinforcement in a non-exposed
environment is:
A) 10 mm
B) 15 mm
C) 20 mm
D) 25 mm
The OBC specifies 20 mm cover to protect reinforcement from
corrosion in interior, non-exposed locations.
8. In Ontario, the maximum allowable deflection for floor joists is:
A) L/240
B) L/360
C) L/480
D) L/600
Deflection limits ensure comfort and structural performance;
L/360 is standard for residential floors.
9. For a load-bearing masonry wall, the minimum thickness for one
storey is:
A) 90 mm
B) 140 mm
C) 190 mm
D) 230 mm
OBC requires 190 mm minimum thickness for structural integrity in
one-storey masonry walls.
Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the minimum compressive strength of concrete used for
footings under a residential building in Ontario?
A) 15 MPa
B) 20 MPa
C) 25 MPa
D) 30 MPa
Footings require sufficient compressive strength to safely transfer
loads to soil, typically 25 MPa for residential structures.
2. The required live load for residential floors under the Ontario
Building Code is:
A) 1.5 kPa
B) 1.9 kPa
C) 2.4 kPa
D) 3.0 kPa
The OBC specifies 1.9 kPa as the minimum live load for typical
residential floors.
3. Which of the following materials is considered combustible in
structural design under the OBC?
A) Steel
B) Concrete
, C) Wood
D) Masonry
Wood is classified as a combustible material and requires fire
protection measures.
4. The maximum spacing of 2x10 floor joists supporting a typical
residential floor is:
A) 300 mm
B) 400 mm
C) 450 mm
D) 600 mm
OBC allows up to 450 mm spacing for 2x10 joists under standard
loads.
5. For a single-storey residential building, the minimum roof live load
in Ontario is:
A) 0.6 kPa
B) 0.75 kPa
C) 1.0 kPa
D) 1.5 kPa
Roof live load accounts for maintenance and occasional snow;
minimum is 1.0 kPa.
6. Which type of foundation is most commonly required for Ontario
residential buildings on clay soil?
A) Raft foundation
B) Pile foundation
C) Spread footing
D) Caisson
, Spread footings are economical and suitable for low-rise
residential structures on stable soils.
7. When designing reinforced concrete beams, the minimum
concrete cover over main reinforcement in a non-exposed
environment is:
A) 10 mm
B) 15 mm
C) 20 mm
D) 25 mm
The OBC specifies 20 mm cover to protect reinforcement from
corrosion in interior, non-exposed locations.
8. In Ontario, the maximum allowable deflection for floor joists is:
A) L/240
B) L/360
C) L/480
D) L/600
Deflection limits ensure comfort and structural performance;
L/360 is standard for residential floors.
9. For a load-bearing masonry wall, the minimum thickness for one
storey is:
A) 90 mm
B) 140 mm
C) 190 mm
D) 230 mm
OBC requires 190 mm minimum thickness for structural integrity in
one-storey masonry walls.
