AR CM Concrete Masonry Contractor
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the typical compressive strength of a standard concrete
masonry unit (CMU)?
A. 500 psi
B. 1000 psi
C. 1900 psi
D. 2500 psi
CMUs are usually designed to have a minimum compressive strength
of 1900 psi, depending on the mix and application.
2. What is the primary purpose of control joints in concrete masonry
walls?
A. To increase aesthetic appeal
B. To reduce wall weight
C. To control cracking caused by shrinkage
D. To improve insulation
Control joints are designed to direct cracks caused by shrinkage and
temperature changes along predetermined lines.
3. Which type of mortar is generally used for load-bearing masonry
walls?
A. Type N
B. Type O
C. Type M
D. Type S
Type M mortar has the highest compressive strength and is suitable
for load-bearing applications.
,4. In masonry construction, what is the minimum thickness of a concrete
footing under a CMU wall?
A. 4 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Footings must be thick enough to distribute the load of the wall to the
soil safely, typically a minimum of 12 inches for CMU walls.
5. What is the recommended maximum spacing for vertical reinforcement
in a reinforced CMU wall?
A. 12 inches
B. 16 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 48 inches
Vertical reinforcement spacing depends on the wall height and load,
but commonly does not exceed 48 inches.
6. What is the primary function of a bond beam in a CMU wall?
A. To hold insulation
B. To provide horizontal reinforcement
C. To support doors
D. To provide drainage
Bond beams tie the masonry together horizontally and resist lateral
forces.
7. What is the typical slump range for concrete used in masonry grout?
A. 1–2 inches
B. 2–3 inches
C. 8–11 inches
D. 12–14 inches
High-slump concrete is needed for masonry grout to flow into cells
and around reinforcement.
8. What is the purpose of weep holes in a masonry wall?
A. To allow wall expansion
B. To allow water drainage
C. To ventilate the wall
D. To reduce wall weight
Weep holes at the base of the wall allow accumulated water to escape,
preventing moisture problems.
, 9. When constructing a CMU wall, how far should the first course be set
above grade?
A. Flush with grade
B. 1 inch
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Maintaining clearance above grade prevents water from wicking into
the masonry, typically 8 inches.
10. What is the maximum height for an unreinforced, single wythe
CMU wall?
A. 4 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 8 feet
D. 10 feet
Unreinforced walls have limited height before stability is
compromised, commonly max 10 feet.
11. Which of the following is a common type of joint finish in
masonry walls?
A. V-joint
B. Concave
C. Weathered
D. All of the above
All listed joint finishes are standard techniques used to seal and
shape mortar joints.
12. What is the minimum clear cover for vertical reinforcement in an
exterior CMU wall?
A. 1 inch
B. 1.5 inches
C. 2 inches
D. 2.5 inches
Adequate cover protects steel from corrosion and ensures proper
bond with the grout.
13. What is the purpose of reinforcing dowels in masonry
construction?
A. To connect masonry to doors
B. To provide structural continuity
C. To secure insulation
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the typical compressive strength of a standard concrete
masonry unit (CMU)?
A. 500 psi
B. 1000 psi
C. 1900 psi
D. 2500 psi
CMUs are usually designed to have a minimum compressive strength
of 1900 psi, depending on the mix and application.
2. What is the primary purpose of control joints in concrete masonry
walls?
A. To increase aesthetic appeal
B. To reduce wall weight
C. To control cracking caused by shrinkage
D. To improve insulation
Control joints are designed to direct cracks caused by shrinkage and
temperature changes along predetermined lines.
3. Which type of mortar is generally used for load-bearing masonry
walls?
A. Type N
B. Type O
C. Type M
D. Type S
Type M mortar has the highest compressive strength and is suitable
for load-bearing applications.
,4. In masonry construction, what is the minimum thickness of a concrete
footing under a CMU wall?
A. 4 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Footings must be thick enough to distribute the load of the wall to the
soil safely, typically a minimum of 12 inches for CMU walls.
5. What is the recommended maximum spacing for vertical reinforcement
in a reinforced CMU wall?
A. 12 inches
B. 16 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 48 inches
Vertical reinforcement spacing depends on the wall height and load,
but commonly does not exceed 48 inches.
6. What is the primary function of a bond beam in a CMU wall?
A. To hold insulation
B. To provide horizontal reinforcement
C. To support doors
D. To provide drainage
Bond beams tie the masonry together horizontally and resist lateral
forces.
7. What is the typical slump range for concrete used in masonry grout?
A. 1–2 inches
B. 2–3 inches
C. 8–11 inches
D. 12–14 inches
High-slump concrete is needed for masonry grout to flow into cells
and around reinforcement.
8. What is the purpose of weep holes in a masonry wall?
A. To allow wall expansion
B. To allow water drainage
C. To ventilate the wall
D. To reduce wall weight
Weep holes at the base of the wall allow accumulated water to escape,
preventing moisture problems.
, 9. When constructing a CMU wall, how far should the first course be set
above grade?
A. Flush with grade
B. 1 inch
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Maintaining clearance above grade prevents water from wicking into
the masonry, typically 8 inches.
10. What is the maximum height for an unreinforced, single wythe
CMU wall?
A. 4 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 8 feet
D. 10 feet
Unreinforced walls have limited height before stability is
compromised, commonly max 10 feet.
11. Which of the following is a common type of joint finish in
masonry walls?
A. V-joint
B. Concave
C. Weathered
D. All of the above
All listed joint finishes are standard techniques used to seal and
shape mortar joints.
12. What is the minimum clear cover for vertical reinforcement in an
exterior CMU wall?
A. 1 inch
B. 1.5 inches
C. 2 inches
D. 2.5 inches
Adequate cover protects steel from corrosion and ensures proper
bond with the grout.
13. What is the purpose of reinforcing dowels in masonry
construction?
A. To connect masonry to doors
B. To provide structural continuity
C. To secure insulation
