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Arizona (AZ) CR-31 Masonry Exam | Latest
Verified Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
The Arizona CR-31 Masonry Exam, administered by PSI, is a specialized, open-book test
designed to assess the competency of individuals seeking licensure as masonry contractors in
Arizona. The exam focuses on the practical and technical knowledge required for the installation,
repair, and maintenance of various masonry materials, including brick, block, stone, and
concrete. Key subject areas covered include masonry techniques, material properties, structural
reinforcement, grouting, plan reading, and calculations. A significant portion of the exam is
dedicated to safety protocols as defined by OSHA, as well as adherence to the International
Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Candidates must demonstrate a
thorough understanding of these topics to ensure they can perform work safely, legally, and
according to industry standards.
QUESTION 1
Which type of brick is classified as "SW" (Severe Weather) grade according to ASTM
C62?
A) Brick intended for use where high moisture and freezing-thawing cycles are
present
B) Brick suitable only for interior applications
C) Brick with low compressive strength
D) Brick that is non-uniform in size and shape
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ A) Brick intended for use where high moisture and freezing-
thawing cycles are present
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASTM C62 specifies that SW (Severe Weather) grade brick is
suitable for exposure to moisture and freezing temperatures, making it the highest
durability classification for clay masonry.
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QUESTION 2
What is the minimum compressive strength requirement for Type M mortar per ASTM
C270?
A) 1,500 psi
B) 2,500 psi
C) 3,500 psi
D) 5,000 psi
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) 2,500 psi
EXPERT RATIONALE: Type M mortar, the highest strength mortar, requires a minimum
compressive strength of 2,500 psi at 28 days and is used for reinforced masonry and
below-grade applications.
QUESTION 3
The primary purpose of weep holes in a cavity wall is to:
A) Provide ventilation to the interior living space
B) Allow moisture that enters the cavity to drain to the exterior
C) Create a path for electrical conduit installation
D) Reduce the overall weight of the wall assembly
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) Allow moisture that enters the cavity to drain to the exterior
EXPERT RATIONALE: Weep holes provide drainage for any water that penetrates the
outer wythe or condenses within the cavity, preventing moisture buildup and potential
damage to the structure.
QUESTION 4
Which mortar joint profile offers the best resistance to water penetration?
A) Raked joint
B) Concave joint
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C) Struck joint
D) Flush joint
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) Concave joint
EXPERT RATIONALE: The concave joint tool compresses the mortar against the brick
units, creating a dense, curved surface that effectively sheds water and seals the joint
edges.
QUESTION 5
According to the International Building Code (IBC), the minimum cover for vertical
reinforcement in a masonry wall not exposed to weather is:
A) 1/2 inch
B) 3/4 inch
C) 1 inch
D) 2 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) 3/4 inch
EXPERT RATIONALE: IBC requires a minimum of 3/4 inch of grout or mortar coverage
over reinforcement in masonry walls that are not exposed to earth or weather,
ensuring proper bond and corrosion protection.
QUESTION 6
The nominal dimensions of a standard concrete masonry unit (CMU) are:
A) 4" × 8" × 16"
B) 6" × 8" × 16"
C) 8" × 8" × 16"
D) 8" × 12" × 16"
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ C) 8" × 8" × 16"
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EXPERT RATIONALE: The nominal dimensions of a standard CMU are 8 inches in height
and depth by 16 inches in length, with actual dimensions being 3/8 inch less to
accommodate mortar joints.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum required bearing length for a steel lintel spanning a masonry
opening?
A) 2 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 8 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) 4 inches
EXPERT RATIONALE: Building codes typically require a minimum bearing length of 4
inches for lintels over masonry openings to ensure proper load transfer to the
supporting masonry.
QUESTION 8
When constructing a footer for a masonry wall, the footing width should be at least:
A) The width of the wall
B) Twice the width of the wall
C) Three times the width of the wall
D) Four times the width of the wall
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) Twice the width of the wall
EXPERT RATIONALE: Footings should be a minimum of twice the width of the masonry
wall to properly distribute the load to the soil, such as a 16-inch wide footing for an 8-
inch block wall.
Arizona (AZ) CR-31 Masonry Exam | Latest
Verified Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
The Arizona CR-31 Masonry Exam, administered by PSI, is a specialized, open-book test
designed to assess the competency of individuals seeking licensure as masonry contractors in
Arizona. The exam focuses on the practical and technical knowledge required for the installation,
repair, and maintenance of various masonry materials, including brick, block, stone, and
concrete. Key subject areas covered include masonry techniques, material properties, structural
reinforcement, grouting, plan reading, and calculations. A significant portion of the exam is
dedicated to safety protocols as defined by OSHA, as well as adherence to the International
Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Candidates must demonstrate a
thorough understanding of these topics to ensure they can perform work safely, legally, and
according to industry standards.
QUESTION 1
Which type of brick is classified as "SW" (Severe Weather) grade according to ASTM
C62?
A) Brick intended for use where high moisture and freezing-thawing cycles are
present
B) Brick suitable only for interior applications
C) Brick with low compressive strength
D) Brick that is non-uniform in size and shape
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ A) Brick intended for use where high moisture and freezing-
thawing cycles are present
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASTM C62 specifies that SW (Severe Weather) grade brick is
suitable for exposure to moisture and freezing temperatures, making it the highest
durability classification for clay masonry.
,2|Page
QUESTION 2
What is the minimum compressive strength requirement for Type M mortar per ASTM
C270?
A) 1,500 psi
B) 2,500 psi
C) 3,500 psi
D) 5,000 psi
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) 2,500 psi
EXPERT RATIONALE: Type M mortar, the highest strength mortar, requires a minimum
compressive strength of 2,500 psi at 28 days and is used for reinforced masonry and
below-grade applications.
QUESTION 3
The primary purpose of weep holes in a cavity wall is to:
A) Provide ventilation to the interior living space
B) Allow moisture that enters the cavity to drain to the exterior
C) Create a path for electrical conduit installation
D) Reduce the overall weight of the wall assembly
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) Allow moisture that enters the cavity to drain to the exterior
EXPERT RATIONALE: Weep holes provide drainage for any water that penetrates the
outer wythe or condenses within the cavity, preventing moisture buildup and potential
damage to the structure.
QUESTION 4
Which mortar joint profile offers the best resistance to water penetration?
A) Raked joint
B) Concave joint
,3|Page
C) Struck joint
D) Flush joint
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) Concave joint
EXPERT RATIONALE: The concave joint tool compresses the mortar against the brick
units, creating a dense, curved surface that effectively sheds water and seals the joint
edges.
QUESTION 5
According to the International Building Code (IBC), the minimum cover for vertical
reinforcement in a masonry wall not exposed to weather is:
A) 1/2 inch
B) 3/4 inch
C) 1 inch
D) 2 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) 3/4 inch
EXPERT RATIONALE: IBC requires a minimum of 3/4 inch of grout or mortar coverage
over reinforcement in masonry walls that are not exposed to earth or weather,
ensuring proper bond and corrosion protection.
QUESTION 6
The nominal dimensions of a standard concrete masonry unit (CMU) are:
A) 4" × 8" × 16"
B) 6" × 8" × 16"
C) 8" × 8" × 16"
D) 8" × 12" × 16"
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ C) 8" × 8" × 16"
, 4|Page
EXPERT RATIONALE: The nominal dimensions of a standard CMU are 8 inches in height
and depth by 16 inches in length, with actual dimensions being 3/8 inch less to
accommodate mortar joints.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum required bearing length for a steel lintel spanning a masonry
opening?
A) 2 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 8 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) 4 inches
EXPERT RATIONALE: Building codes typically require a minimum bearing length of 4
inches for lintels over masonry openings to ensure proper load transfer to the
supporting masonry.
QUESTION 8
When constructing a footer for a masonry wall, the footing width should be at least:
A) The width of the wall
B) Twice the width of the wall
C) Three times the width of the wall
D) Four times the width of the wall
CORRECT ANSWER: ✓ B) Twice the width of the wall
EXPERT RATIONALE: Footings should be a minimum of twice the width of the masonry
wall to properly distribute the load to the soil, such as a 16-inch wide footing for an 8-
inch block wall.
