Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

What describes the localized loss of soil around a building due to turbulent water movement?

1. Scour

2. Erosion

3. Subsidence

4. Instability

The correct answer is: Scour

The localized loss of soil around a building due to turbulent water movement is known as scour. Scour specifically refers to the process where flowing water removes sediment from around structural elements, often resulting in undermining of foundations or other critical areas. This can occur in various settings, particularly where fast-moving water interacts with soil, leading to a dangerous situation for structures like bridges, piers, and buildings. Erosion, while related, refers to the broader process of soil removal over a larger area and can occur through various means, including wind or water action but does not specifically highlight the localized process caused by turbulent water. Subsidence involves the gradual sinking of the ground due to natural settling or the removal of underlying support, and instability generally refers to a failure of a structure or support system, rather than a specific process of soil removal. Hence, scour accurately characterizes the critical phenomenon of localized soil loss due to turbulent water, making it the correct answer.