Alabama Contractors License Practice Exam

What is the minimum reinforcing bar size required for an 8-inch stacked bonded masonry wall?

1. #3

2. #4

3. #5

4. #6

The correct answer is: #4

For an 8-inch stacked bonded masonry wall, the minimum reinforcing bar size is based on various factors including structural requirements, the size of the masonry units, and the load considerations. In most building codes and standards, a #4 reinforcing bar is often specified as the minimum for 8-inch walls, which provides adequate strength and stability for the structure. Using a #4 bar, which has a nominal diameter of 0.5 inches, ensures that the wall can resist lateral forces, such as wind or seismic loads, while supporting the weight of the masonry itself. This reinforcement also helps prevent cracking and ensures the durability and longevity of the wall. The larger reinforcing bar sizes, like #5 or #6, while providing even more strength, are typically not necessary for standard applications involving 8-inch walls and would be over-engineering for the intended purpose unless specific conditions required it. A #3 bar would not provide sufficient strength for this application, making it unsuitable for an 8-inch stacked bonded masonry wall structure. Therefore, selecting a #4 reinforcing bar meets the standard requirements for structural integrity, making it the correct choice in this context.