General Contractor Practice Exam

For soils classified as sandy gravel, foundation pressure shall not exceed how many PSF?

1. 2000 Pounds per Square foot

2. 2500 Pounds per Square foot

3. 3000 Pounds per Square foot

4. 3500 Pounds per Square foot

The correct answer is: 3000 Pounds per Square foot

In the context of foundation design, sandy gravel is recognized as a stable and supportive soil type due to its effective drainage and compaction characteristics. For such soil classifications, a common guideline indicates that foundation pressure should be limited to 3000 pounds per square foot (PSF). This value is rooted in the ability of sandy gravel to adequately distribute the load of the structure, ensuring that the foundation remains stable and minimizes the risk of settlement or failure. Thus, when designing foundations on sandy gravel, adhering to the 3000 PSF limit helps ensure the safety and longevity of the structure, considering both immediate load-bearing capabilities and longer-term geological stability. This practice aligns with standard engineering principles and building codes, which are established based on extensive studies of soil mechanics and structural integrity. The other listed values may not apply to sandy gravel, as they are typically associated with different types of soils or scenarios, which could lead to overloading and potential structural issues.