General Contractor Practice Exam

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Prepare for the General Contractor Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and detailed explanations, this resource will ensure you’re ready for your licensing examination!

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What is the primary function of a pier in masonry construction?

Support roofs
Support openings in a wall
Decorative enhancement
Provide insulation

The correct answer is: Support openings in a wall

In masonry construction, the primary function of a pier is to support openings in a wall. Piers are vertical structural elements that help to distribute loads and stabilize the wall, especially where there are openings such as doors or windows. By providing additional reinforcement, piers help to maintain the structural integrity of the surrounding masonry, preventing issues such as bowing or cracking around the openings. This makes piers crucial for ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity in a wall system, particularly in situations where large openings would otherwise weaken the structure. While piers can have some decorative elements associated with them, their main purpose is to serve as a support mechanism in the overall masonry framework.