A building has a slab-on-grade foundation. Which statement is most accurate?
Correct Answer
A) A concrete floor slab supported at or near prepared ground level
A slab-on-grade is supported at or near prepared ground level, with the specified base, moisture control, insulation and reinforcement as the design requires. It differs from a suspended floor above a crawl space or basement. The name alone does not establish capacity for a particular building.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because a slab foundation is a structural concrete slab poured directly on the grade, so the floor is supported at or near prepared ground level. Design details such as base, moisture control, insulation and reinforcement depend on the building's needs. It differs from a suspended floor over a crawl space or basement.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: A system categorically incapable of supporting any multistory design
Option B is wrong because it says a slab is categorically incapable of supporting any multistory design. Many multistory buildings sit on slab foundations, and capacity depends on the actual design, not the foundation name.
Option C: A suspended floor that requires a basement
Option C is wrong because it describes a suspended floor that requires a basement. A slab-on-grade rests on the ground, which is the opposite of a suspended floor over a basement.
Option D: A system permitted for commercial buildings but not homes
Option D is wrong because it says slabs are permitted for commercial buildings but not homes. Slab-on-grade foundations are widely used for houses as well as commercial buildings.
Slab sits on the ground
A slab-on-grade is a concrete floor resting right on prepared ground, with nothing underneath to walk into.
How to use: Use this picture to separate slabs from crawl spaces and basements.
Exam Tip
Pick the definition-based answer and be wary of options with sweeping limits like categorically incapable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing a slab with a suspended floor
- -Believing slabs cannot support multistory buildings
- -Thinking slab foundations are only for commercial buildings
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests the basic definition of a slab-on-grade foundation. It is a concrete slab placed at or near prepared ground level. The wrong options add sweeping limits or describe a different foundation type.
Background Knowledge
Common residential foundation types include slab-on-grade, crawl space and basement. A slab-on-grade has no space beneath the floor, while crawl spaces and basements create a suspended floor above an open area. Foundation type affects construction cost, access to utilities and buyer preferences in a market.
Real-World Application
An appraiser inspects a one-story ranch home and finds no crawl space access or basement stairs. The appraiser reports a slab-on-grade foundation and notes any visible cracking or moisture issues.
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