What is the minimum concrete cover required for #5 rebar in a concrete footing exposed to earth in Florida?
Correct Answer
C) 3 inches
Florida Building Code requires 3 inches minimum concrete cover for reinforcing steel in footings and other concrete cast against and permanently exposed to earth. This protects the rebar from corrosion.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Florida Building Code requires 3 inches minimum concrete cover for reinforcing steel in footings and other concrete elements that are cast against and permanently exposed to earth. This increased cover requirement protects the rebar from moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive elements present in soil. The 3-inch requirement applies regardless of the rebar size (#5 in this case) when the concrete is in direct contact with earth.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 1.5 inches
1.5 inches is insufficient cover for concrete exposed to earth and would only be appropriate for interior concrete not exposed to weather or earth contact.
Option B: 2 inches
2 inches is the typical cover requirement for concrete exposed to weather but not in direct earth contact, such as exterior walls or slabs above grade.
Option D: 4 inches
4 inches exceeds the minimum requirement and would be unnecessarily conservative, though not technically wrong if specified by design.
Memory Technique
Think 'Dirty Three' - when concrete touches dirt (earth), you need 3 inches of cover to keep the rebar clean and protected.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code Chapter 19 (Concrete) or ACI 318 Table 20.6.1.3.1 for concrete cover requirements
More Project Mgmt Questions
What is the minimum R-value required for wall insulation in Florida Climate Zone 2?
A subcontractor brings a new chemical product to your jobsite. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what information must be immediately available to workers?
A construction site has a trench that is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the maximum allowable slope ratio for the trench walls without protective systems?
A detail drawing shows a scale of 3/4" = 1'-0". If a dimension measures 2.25 inches on the drawing, what is the actual dimension?
What is the maximum recommended spacing between drywall screws when attaching to wood studs?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Previous Question
An employee working on a residential roof with a 6:12 pitch (26.5° slope) must use fall protection when working more than how many feet from the roof edge?
Next Question
Your project involves renovation of a school built in 1965. Lead paint testing reveals levels above EPA thresholds. What certification is required for workers performing the abatement?