Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

What is the minimum distance required for sloping the ground away from the foundation at a 5% slope?

1. 2 feet

2. 4 feet

3. 6 feet

4. 10 feet

The correct answer is: 4 feet

To determine the minimum distance required for sloping the ground away from the foundation at a 5% slope, it is important to understand how slope percentages translate into distance. A 5% slope means that for every 100 units of horizontal distance, the elevation changes by 5 units. For practical purposes in construction, this means that to achieve a 5% slope, the ground should be sloped for a sufficient distance away from the foundation to effectively direct water away from the structure. Typically, a distance of 4 feet is recommended, as it's generally regarded as a balance between effective drainage and foot traffic. This distance ensures that rainfall and surface runoff do not pool around the foundation, which protects the integrity of the building by minimizing water-related issues. In contrast, other distances like 2 feet, 6 feet, or 10 feet may not be deemed necessary or practical depending on the specific site conditions. For example, a slope of 2 feet may not provide sufficient drainage, while 6 feet or 10 feet might be excessive for standard residential construction, especially in areas with minimal rainfall. Therefore, the minimum distance of 4 feet at a 5% slope is a standard practice to ensure proper drainage away from the foundation,