What is the minimum compressive strength required for concrete used in foundations according to the California Residential Code (CRC)?
Correct Answer
D) 2500 psi
CRC Section R402.2 specifies that concrete used in foundations must have a minimum compressive strength of 2500 psi. This requirement ensures adequate structural capacity and durability for foundation elements in California's diverse soil and seismic conditions, providing proper support for residential structures.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CRC Section R402.2 specifies 2500 psi as the minimum compressive strength for concrete in residential foundations. This threshold ensures sufficient structural capacity to support residential loads and provides durability appropriate to California's varied soil and seismic conditions.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 3000 psi
3000 psi exceeds the CRC minimum for foundations. While 3000 psi is commonly used in commercial applications and may be specified by engineers for enhanced performance, it is not the CRC code minimum for residential foundations.
Option B: 2000 psi
2000 psi is below the CRC minimum and would not provide adequate structural capacity or durability for foundation applications. Concrete at 2000 psi is generally suitable only for low-stress non-structural applications such as sidewalks or patios in non-critical areas.
Option C: 3500 psi
3500 psi is well above the minimum and is typically specified for high-performance applications such as garage floors or high-traffic slabs. It is not the code minimum for residential foundations.
Memory Technique
Think: '25 is the residential minimum.' The house address '2500' belongs to a home (residential = 2500 psi). Commercial buildings live at higher addresses (3000+).
More trade-general-building Questions
When installing engineered lumber joists (I-joists) in California residential construction, what is the primary code requirement for web stiffeners?
What is the required attic ventilation ratio when a vapor retarder is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling according to the California Residential Code?
In California's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, which underlayment requirement applies to Class A fire-rated roof assemblies?
In California, when installing a tankless water heater in a seismic zone, what additional requirement must be met beyond standard installation practices?
According to the California Building Code (CBC), what is the minimum lap splice length for #4 rebar in a concrete foundation wall in normal weight concrete with f'c = 3000 psi?
According to CBC requirements for retaining walls in California, what additional design consideration must be addressed for retaining walls over 4 feet in height located in seismic design categories D, E, and F?
When constructing retaining walls in California that exceed 4 feet in height, which CBC requirement must be met regarding drainage?
Under California regulations, when is a reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention assembly required for a residential water service connection?
Under California Title 24, what is the minimum electrical service size required for new single-family residential construction?
According to the California Building Code, buildings located in Seismic Design Category D must comply with which specific seismic design requirements?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
In California, what is the maximum distance allowed between the electrical meter and the main electrical panel disconnect for residential installations?
Next Question
Under California's CALGreen Code (Title 24, Part 11), what is the maximum allowable flow rate for bathroom faucets in new residential construction?