Arkansas AR-MA Masonry &
Block Contractor Practice Exam |
Questions, Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales | Complete
Contractor License Exam Prep
Study Guide | Updated 2026
1.
Which mortar type is generally selected when a higher
compressive strength and greater resistance to lateral loads are
required?
A. Type K
B. Type O
C. Type S
D. Type N
Answer: Type S
Rationale: Type S mortar provides higher strength than
Types N, O, and K and is commonly used for exterior and
structural masonry applications where increased
durability and lateral resistance are needed.
2.
What is the primary purpose of mortar in a masonry wall?
A. To increase the weight of the wall
B. To bond masonry units and seal the joints
C. To replace reinforcing steel
D. To eliminate the need for flashing
Answer: To bond masonry units and seal the joints
,Rationale: Mortar bonds masonry units together,
transfers loads between units, and helps seal joints
against air and water penetration.
3.
What is the standard nominal face dimension of a common
concrete masonry unit (CMU)?
A. 2 inches × 8 inches
B. 4 inches × 8 inches
C. 8 inches × 8 inches
D. 12 inches × 12 inches
Answer: 8 inches × 8 inches
Rationale: A typical nominal CMU face is 8 inches high
by 16 inches long; the 8-inch dimension is the nominal
height, while the actual height is slightly less to
accommodate mortar joints.
4.
A standard concrete masonry unit is commonly referred to by
its nominal length of:
A. 8 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 16 inches
D. 24 inches
Answer: 16 inches
Rationale: The common nominal CMU is 8 inches high by
16 inches long, with the actual dimensions slightly
reduced to account for mortar joints.
5.
What is the primary purpose of a masonry control joint?
,A. To increase wall weight
B. To prevent all wall movement
C. To control cracking caused by shrinkage and
movement
D. To replace reinforcement
Answer: To control cracking caused by shrinkage and
movement
Rationale: Control joints provide a planned location
where movement and shrinkage can occur, reducing
uncontrolled cracking elsewhere in the wall.
6.
What is the primary purpose of reinforcing steel in reinforced
masonry?
A. To make mortar easier to spread
B. To resist tensile and bending stresses
C. To waterproof the wall
D. To replace grout
Answer: To resist tensile and bending stresses
Rationale: Masonry is strong in compression but
comparatively weak in tension. Reinforcing steel helps
resist tension, bending, and other structural stresses.
7.
Which material is commonly used to fill reinforced CMU cells?
A. Dry sand
B. Roofing cement
C. Grout
D. Plaster
Answer: Grout
, Rationale: Grout surrounds reinforcement and bonds it
to the masonry, creating a reinforced masonry
assembly.
8.
What should be done with mortar that has begun to harden and
can no longer be properly retempered?
A. Add cement and continue using it
B. Add water continuously
C. Discard it
D. Mix it with grout
Answer: Discard it
Rationale: Mortar that has exceeded its usable working
period should not be restored by excessive water or
cement additions because this can compromise its
properties and bond.
9.
What is the primary function of a bond pattern in masonry?
A. To determine mortar color
B. To arrange masonry units so the wall acts properly
and joints are adequately bonded
C. To eliminate flashing
D. To reduce curing time
Answer: To arrange masonry units so the wall acts
properly and joints are adequately bonded
Rationale: Proper bonding distributes loads and
provides continuity between masonry units and courses.
10.
Block Contractor Practice Exam |
Questions, Verified Answers &
Detailed Rationales | Complete
Contractor License Exam Prep
Study Guide | Updated 2026
1.
Which mortar type is generally selected when a higher
compressive strength and greater resistance to lateral loads are
required?
A. Type K
B. Type O
C. Type S
D. Type N
Answer: Type S
Rationale: Type S mortar provides higher strength than
Types N, O, and K and is commonly used for exterior and
structural masonry applications where increased
durability and lateral resistance are needed.
2.
What is the primary purpose of mortar in a masonry wall?
A. To increase the weight of the wall
B. To bond masonry units and seal the joints
C. To replace reinforcing steel
D. To eliminate the need for flashing
Answer: To bond masonry units and seal the joints
,Rationale: Mortar bonds masonry units together,
transfers loads between units, and helps seal joints
against air and water penetration.
3.
What is the standard nominal face dimension of a common
concrete masonry unit (CMU)?
A. 2 inches × 8 inches
B. 4 inches × 8 inches
C. 8 inches × 8 inches
D. 12 inches × 12 inches
Answer: 8 inches × 8 inches
Rationale: A typical nominal CMU face is 8 inches high
by 16 inches long; the 8-inch dimension is the nominal
height, while the actual height is slightly less to
accommodate mortar joints.
4.
A standard concrete masonry unit is commonly referred to by
its nominal length of:
A. 8 inches
B. 12 inches
C. 16 inches
D. 24 inches
Answer: 16 inches
Rationale: The common nominal CMU is 8 inches high by
16 inches long, with the actual dimensions slightly
reduced to account for mortar joints.
5.
What is the primary purpose of a masonry control joint?
,A. To increase wall weight
B. To prevent all wall movement
C. To control cracking caused by shrinkage and
movement
D. To replace reinforcement
Answer: To control cracking caused by shrinkage and
movement
Rationale: Control joints provide a planned location
where movement and shrinkage can occur, reducing
uncontrolled cracking elsewhere in the wall.
6.
What is the primary purpose of reinforcing steel in reinforced
masonry?
A. To make mortar easier to spread
B. To resist tensile and bending stresses
C. To waterproof the wall
D. To replace grout
Answer: To resist tensile and bending stresses
Rationale: Masonry is strong in compression but
comparatively weak in tension. Reinforcing steel helps
resist tension, bending, and other structural stresses.
7.
Which material is commonly used to fill reinforced CMU cells?
A. Dry sand
B. Roofing cement
C. Grout
D. Plaster
Answer: Grout
, Rationale: Grout surrounds reinforcement and bonds it
to the masonry, creating a reinforced masonry
assembly.
8.
What should be done with mortar that has begun to harden and
can no longer be properly retempered?
A. Add cement and continue using it
B. Add water continuously
C. Discard it
D. Mix it with grout
Answer: Discard it
Rationale: Mortar that has exceeded its usable working
period should not be restored by excessive water or
cement additions because this can compromise its
properties and bond.
9.
What is the primary function of a bond pattern in masonry?
A. To determine mortar color
B. To arrange masonry units so the wall acts properly
and joints are adequately bonded
C. To eliminate flashing
D. To reduce curing time
Answer: To arrange masonry units so the wall acts
properly and joints are adequately bonded
Rationale: Proper bonding distributes loads and
provides continuity between masonry units and courses.
10.
