Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

Which component is specifically a vertical foundation member with limited dimensions?

1. Foundation Pier

2. Block Wall

3. Footing

4. Slab

The correct answer is: Foundation Pier

The correct answer is a foundation pier because it refers specifically to a vertical structural element that extends beneath the ground to support a building or structure. Foundation piers are characterized by their limited cross-sectional dimensions, often being narrow and deep, and are used to transfer the load of a structure down to a stable soil layer or rock, especially in areas where the surface soil conditions are not suitable for direct support of the building. This option is distinct from the others in that a block wall is a type of lateral support structure made from concrete blocks, primarily used to form walls. A footing serves as a broader base for a load-bearing structure, spreading the weight over a larger area rather than being vertical. Meanwhile, a slab refers to a flat, horizontal surface often used as a floor or base for a building, lacking the vertical characteristics required in this context. Each of these alternative components serves different purposes in construction, making the foundation pier the most appropriate answer for the described concept.