ICC- Materials, Product Evaluation, Siting & Code Administration

Question 1

According to FEMA’s Home Builder’s Guide, the optimum panel thickness for vinyl siding in coastal environments is:

A) 0.035–0.038 in.

B) 0.040–0.048 in.

C) 0.045–0.051 in.

D) 0.052–0.055 in.

Explanation: This thickness range provides the strength and durability needed against wind and salt exposure.

Question 2

The information in a product evaluation report that limits the basic wind-speed zone where a product may be installed is the:

A) structural zone location.

B) method of product construction.

C) maximum size of the product tested.

D) design pressure of the product after installation.

Explanation: Design pressure rating must equal or exceed the required wind pressure for the site.

Question 3

Round timber piles used in salt water must conform to:

A) NFP 80-9.

B) ASTM D 25.

C) DOC PS 20.

D) AWPA U1 specification Category 4C.

Explanation: AWPA U1 Category 4C provides the required preservative treatment for marine exposure.

Question 4

Buildings should be sited:

A) set back from areas vulnerable to both long-term and storm-induced erosion.

B) exactly at the 30-year coastal setback line.

C) within the footprint of any pre-existing building.

D) as close to the dune vegetation as possible.

Explanation: Adequate setback from both chronic and episodic erosion is the most effective non-structural protection.

Question 5

Areas on FIRM maps that are ineligible for FEMA flood insurance are designated as:

A) V-Zones.

B) flood-hazard areas.

C) coastal barrier zones (CBRS).

D) coastal high-hazard areas.

Explanation: The Coastal Barrier Resources Act prohibits most federal financial assistance, including NFIP insurance, within designated units.

Question 6

When an inspector discovers construction encroaching into a wetland, the first action should be to:

A) revoke the permit immediately.

B) have the code enforcement officer issue a stop-work order.

C) issue a stop-work order until plans are revised and updated.

D) schedule a meeting with the contractor.

Explanation: Immediate halt of work prevents further environmental damage while corrective plans are prepared.

Question 7

Additional construction documents required in flood-prone areas must include all of the following except:

A) eave elevation.

B) elevation of the proposed lowest floor.

C) elevation of the basement floor above adjacent grade.

D) elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member.

Explanation: Eave elevation is not a flood-resistance metric and is therefore not required.

Question 8

Documentation of the elevation of the lowest floor must be prepared by a:

A) city building inspector.

B) registered home inspector.

C) certified floodplain manager.

D) registered design professional.

Explanation: Only a licensed professional engineer, architect, or surveyor can provide the legally required elevation certification.

Question 9

Seawalls are primarily designed to:

A) prevent flooding.

B) allow conversion of wetlands to usable land.

C) prevent erosion and damage caused by wave action.

D) stop flood-borne debris from reaching structures.

Explanation: Their engineering function is to absorb and deflect wave energy, thereby protecting the shoreline from erosion.

Question 10

Most water-intrusion problems in coastal construction are related to:

A) the use of structural sheathing without a moisture barrier.

B) systems that require only a single drainage plane.

C) attempts to eliminate all vapor transmission.

D) improper lapping of materials and inadequate flashing around doors, windows, and penetrations.

Explanation: Detailing failures at transitions and openings are the most common sources of moisture intrusion.

Question 11

The International Residential Code requires construction documents for buildings in coastal areas to show:

A) dune areas and mangrove stands.

B) flood hazard areas and design flood elevations.

C) adjacent buildings, roads, utilities, and easements.

D) coastal setback lines and coastal barrier resource areas.

Explanation: Flood hazard areas and design flood elevations are critical for design and compliance.

Question 12

The International Residential Code requires that any type of foundation wall must extend a minimum of 12 in. plus 2 percent, above:

A) the crown of the street.

B) the highest point of the nearest property line.

C) the cover of the nearest storm drain manhole.

D) the street gutter at a point of discharge or an inlet of an approved drainage device.

Explanation: This protects the building from surface water runoff.

Question 13

Round timber piles used in salt water must conform to:

A) NFP 80-9.

B) ASTM D 25.

C) DOC PS 20.

D) AWPA U1 specification Category 4C.

Explanation: AWPA U1 Category 4C is the required standard for salt-water exposure.

Question 14

Given: According to the International Residential Code, masonry shear walls can be divided into segments. The minimum length of a solid wall segment is:

A) 1 ft. – 4 in.

B) 2 ft. – 0 in.

C) 2 ft. – 8 in.

D) 3 ft. – 4 in.

Explanation: Minimum solid segment length is 2 feet.

Question 15

What information contained in a product evaluation report will limit the basic wind speed zone where the product may be installed?

A) Structural zone location.

B) Method of product construction.

C) Maximum size of the product tested.

D) Design pressure of the product after installation.

Explanation: Design pressure after installation is the limiting factor.

Question 16

The Wood Frame Construction Manual requires steel straps embedded in masonry block foundations to have, at a minimum, what type of coating applied after fabrication?

A) Electrically galvanized.

B) Hot-dipped galvanized.

C) Mechanically galvanized.

D) Corrosion resistant powder coating.

Explanation: Hot-dipped galvanizing is required.

Question 17

According to the Wood Frame Construction Manual, what is the maximum spacing (in feet) for anchor bolts for sill or bottom plate to foundation?

A) 3.

B) 4.

C) 6.

D) 8.

Explanation: Maximum spacing is 6 feet.

Question 18

Refer to ASCE 24. About structural design and construction: If timber piles conform, the minimum dimension from bottom edge of bolt holes to the pile in floor beam attachments is:

A) 1.5 D.

B) 2 D.

C) 3 D.

D) 4 D.

Explanation: 4D is the minimum dimension.

Question 19

Given: If steel studs are used for framing walls, structural sheathing must be attached with at least a self-drill/self-tapping screw with a minimum head diameter _____ with countersunk heads, spaced a minimum distance from the edge. The minimum head diameter is 0.292 in. and the minimum edge distance is _____ in.

A) 1/4.

B) 3/8.

C) 1/2.

D) 5/8.

Explanation: Minimum edge distance is 3/8 in.

Question 20

Refer to SSTD 10, Standard for Hurricane Resistant Residential Construction. Given uplift connectors must be provided as a truss bearing to resist uplift loads. In addition to uplift loads, when roof members are spaced at 16 in. o.c., connections must be capable of resisting a minimum of _____ lb. of lateral loads parallel and perpendicular to the wall.

A) 125.

B) 150.

C) 175.

D) 200.

Explanation: 175 lb is required.

Question 21

As required in SSTD 10, roof sheathing installed at the gable end walls, designed for 110 mph 3-second gust wind speed, on rafters, shall be fastened 4 in. o.c. minimum with what type of fastener?

A) 8d ring-shank nails.

B) 8d hot-dipped galvanized nails.

C) 8d common nails.

D) 10d ring-shank nails.

Explanation: 8d ring-shank nails are required.

Question 22

Mulled windows used in high-wind areas shall have mullions with a safety factor of _____ times the design pressure applied to the window.

A) 0.5.

B) 1.0.

C) 1.5.

D) 2.0.

Explanation: Safety factor of 1.0 is required.

Question 23

According to the FEMA Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction, in coastal environment installations, the optimum panel thickness for vinyl siding should be:

A) 0.035 to 0.038.

B) 0.040 to 0.048.

C) 0.045 to 0.051.

D) 0.052 to 0.055.

Explanation: 0.040 to 0.048 is the optimum range.

Question 24

When using the prescriptive design method from the Wood Frame Construction Manual, the maximum overhang of rafters must not exceed one-third of the rafter span or _____, whichever is less.

A) 1 ft.

B) 2 ft.

C) 3 ft.

D) 4 ft.

Explanation: 2 ft is the maximum.

Question 25

According to the Wood Frame Construction Manual, what is the maximum roof slope that is allowed?

A) 6:12.

B) 8:12.

C) 10:12.

D) 12:12.

Explanation: 12:12 is the maximum allowed.

Question 26

A shearwall transfers lateral forces from loads acting on a structure to its:

A) roof.

B) floors.

C) foundation.

D) exterior walls.

Explanation: Forces are transferred to the foundation.

Question 27

According to the International Residential Code, splice lengths for grade 40 reinforcing steel shall be a minimum of:

A) 20 in. for #4 bars.

B) 24 in. for #5 bars.

C) 27 in. for #6 bars.

D) 30 in. for #7 bars.

Explanation: 30 in. for #7 bars is required.

Question 28

When structural panels are being added to existing window to deliver protection on a masonry structure with access attached to vibration-resistant anchors, what is the minimum anchor withdrawal capacity, in pounds?

A) 500.

B) 1,000.

C) 1,500.

D) 2,000.

Explanation: 1,500 lb is the minimum.

Question 29

The enclosed areas below the DFE shall not be used for:

A) parking.

B) storage.

C) sleeping areas.

D) building access.

Explanation: Sleeping areas are not permitted.

Question 30

Permanent flood openings in enclosures below the design flood elevation shall have the bottom of the opening no more than _____ in. above ground level.

A) 6.

B) 12.

C) 18.

D) 24.

Explanation: 12 in. is the maximum.

Question 31

Given: When engineered openings in enclosures below the design flood elevation are designed, specific flood opening coefficients of discharge (Cd) are used. The opening shape with the highest coefficient is:

A) round, unobstructed.

B) square, unobstructed.

C) rectangular with long axis vertical, unobstructed.

D) rectangular with long axis horizontal, unobstructed.

Explanation: Round openings have the highest Cd.

Question 32

Which of the following houses complies with flood plain management regulations where the bottom line below the base flood level in a coastal high hazard area?

A) On piles.

B) Dry floodproofed.

C) Dry floodproofed at or above the design flood elevation.

D) On piles with lowest horizontal structural member at or above the design flood elevation.

Explanation: Piles with lowest horizontal member at or above DFE is required.

Question 33

According to ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, attached decks located in a Coastal High Hazard Area shall have support embedment:

A) 2 ft. below eroded grade.

B) 5 ft. below eroded grade.

C) 10 ft. below mean sea level.

D) equivalent to that of the main structure.

Explanation: Embedment must be equivalent to the main structure.

Question 34

Refer to the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction. A deck constructed in a V zone and attached to a building must:

A) be of breakaway “construction.”

B) not exceed an area of 100 sq. ft.

C) meet a minimum uniform live load requirement of 30 psf.

D) be elevated to or above the bottom of the building’s lowest horizontal member.

Explanation: Elevation to or above the lowest horizontal member is required.

Question 35

According to the International Residential Code, foundations for manufactured housing used as a dwelling must:

A) comply with weathering requirements of IRC section R304.5.

B) connect ground anchors to the outrigger beam of the building only.

C) consist of vertical and diagonal ties as required to resist wind forces.

D) connect ground anchors to the main structural frame of the building and outrigger beams.

Explanation: Connection to both main frame and outriggers is required.

Question 36

In accordance with the International Residential Code, a one-story 10 ft. x 15 ft. detached permanent storage shed located in an area with a wind speed of 110 mph is exempt from:

A) a foundation.

B) a building permit.

C) braced wall panels.

D) foundation anchorage.

Explanation: Exempt from building permit.

Question 37

Given: A lateral addition constituting a substantial improvement is made to an existing building in a flood hazard area subject to high velocity wave action. The community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction have changed since the existing building was constructed. Which flood resistant requirements, if any, must the addition and existing building meet?

A) The addition only must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

B) Both the addition and the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

C) The addition must comply with the community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction in effect at the time the existing building was constructed.

D) Neither the addition nor the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction, provided the cost of the addition is less than the pre-addition market value of the existing building.

Explanation: Both must comply with the latest requirements.

Question 38

Seawalls are primarily designed to:

A) prevent flooding.

B) allow wetlands to be converted to usable land.

C) prevent erosion and damage caused by wave action.

D) prevent flood debris impact loads from affecting structures.

Explanation: Prevent erosion and wave damage.

Question 39

According to the International Residential Code, site grading and filling in a floodway must:

A) be approved if the grade is not raised or lowered more than 6 in.

B) be approved as long as the work does not result in standing water or ponding beneath a building.

C) not be approved unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the proposed work will not result in any increase in flood levels during the design flood.

D) not be approved unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the proposed work will not increase flood levels during the design flood more than 1 ft.

Explanation: No increase in flood levels is permitted.

Question 40

Given: Water control in coastal construction is essential. According to the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction:

A) if structural sheathing is used, it need not be protected against moisture.

B) most moisture barrier systems for walls require only a single drainage plane.

C) moisture barrier systems should eliminate water vapor transmission through the building envelope.

D) most water-intrusion problems are related to lapping of materials, and flashing around doors, windows, and penetrations.

Explanation: Lapping and flashing details are the most common problem areas.

Question 41

New buildings in flood hazard areas are required to have flood damage-resistant materials:

A) above grade.

B) for the entire building.

C) below the design flood elevation.

D) above the design flood elevation.

Explanation: Below the DFE.

Question 42

What requirements does the Coastal Construction Manual put upon electrical panel installations?

A) They do not meet any special requirements.

B) They must be above the design flood elevation.

C) They must be 5 ft. above adjacent grade elevation.

D) They must be a minimum of 3 ft. above the design flood elevation.

Explanation: Above the design flood elevation.

Question 43

According to Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction, breakaway walls in V-zones must be designed for the following loads acting perpendicular to the plane of the wall:

A) flood loads only.

B) 10 to 20 lb. per sq. ft.

C) the lesser of the wind load or the flood load.

D) the greater of the wind load, earthquake load, or 10 lb. per sq. ft.

Explanation: Greater of wind, earthquake, or 10 psf.

Question 44

According to ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, “substantial improvement” of a structure located in a flood-hazard area is defined as the reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a structure which are performed for a cost of at least _____ percent of its pre-improved market value.

A) 25.

B) 50.

C) 75.

D) 100.

Explanation: 50 percent.

Question 45

Which of the following costs must be included in substantial damage and substantial improvement calculations?

A) debris clean up.

B) interior finishes.

C) landscaping and irrigation.

D) design, surveys, and permits.

Explanation: Interior finishes.

Question 46

Given: A lateral addition constituting a substantial improvement is made to an existing building in a flood-hazard area subject to high velocity wave action. The community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction have changed since the existing building was constructed. Which community requirements, if any, must the addition and existing building meet?

A) The addition only must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

B) Both the addition and the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

C) The addition must comply with the community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction that were in place at the time the existing building was constructed.

D) Neither the addition nor the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction, as long as the cost of the addition is less than the pre-addition market value of the existing building.

Explanation: Both must comply.

Question 47

According to the International Building Code, restoration of a substantially damaged building:

A) requires an emergency permit.

B) requires a variance from the board of appeals.

C) requires a special inspection of all components and cladding below the flood elevation.

D) requires the building to be designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads.

Explanation: Must resist flood hazards and loads.

Question 48

In a flood hazard area, all of the following are considered new construction, except:

A) a substantially improved building.

B) an existing building moved to another site.

C) replacement of a partially demolished building.

D) repairs to a less than substantially damaged building.

Explanation: Repairs to less-than-substantially damaged buildings are not new construction.

Question 49

If an addition is added to a substantially damaged building at the same time repairs are made:

A) only the addition must be elevated to the current BFE.

B) only the repaired building must be elevated to the current BFE.

C) both the addition and the repaired building must be elevated to the current BFE.

D) both the addition and the repaired building must be elevated to the BFE in effect when the building was originally constructed.

Explanation: Both must be elevated to the current BFE.

Question 50

In all coastal flood hazard areas, shallow foundations for buildings:

A) need not be designed and constructed to withstand wave action.

B) must prevent flotation, collapse, and permanent lateral movement of the building during the base flood.

C) require a design in accordance with accepted engineering practice, if they support more than 4% of unbalanced lateral load.

D) must be designed in accordance with flood vents to equalize hydrostatic pressures under base flood and lesser flood conditions.

Explanation: Must prevent flotation, collapse, and permanent lateral movement.

Question 51

According to the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction, when the existing grade exceeds the BFE in a V-zone, slab foundations for buildings:

A) are prohibited.

B) are permitted in lieu of pile foundations.

C) must be reinforced to prevent damage in undermined areas.

D) must be designed and constructed with edges turned down below the BFE.

Explanation: Are prohibited.

Question 52

Bracing of pile foundations in V-zones:

A) is required.

B) is prohibited.

C) is determined by the foundation engineer.

D) is permitted only as a temporary measure during construction.

Explanation: Is prohibited.

Question 53

FEMA’s Elevation Certificate can be completed based on:

A) architectural sketches or permit drawings.

B) estimated finished floor elevation based on top of formwork.

C) photographs of the finished building, with survey red lines on photo.

D) construction drawings, building under construction, or finished construction.

Explanation: Construction drawings, under construction, or finished construction.

Question 54

According to the International Residential Code, a registered design professional shall certify which of the following in coastal flood hazard areas?

A) The main roof elevation.

B) The depth of pile embedment.

C) The as-built elevation of the lowest floor.

D) The fastener spacing for structural wall panels protecting openings.

Explanation: The depth of pile embedment.

Question 55

When an accessory building is constructed below the DFE, the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction recommends that:

A) it should be a maximum of 200 sq. ft.

B) it should be anchored to resist being blown away.

C) where possible, it should be attached to the primary building.

D) it should be oriented with the long dimension perpendicular to the expected flow of water.

Explanation: Maximum of 200 sq ft.

Question 56

Given: Sections of the coastal area are not eligible to obtain flood insurance through FEMA. Locations of these areas are found on the FIRM maps and are designated as:

A) V-zones.

B) flood-hazard areas.

C) coastal barrier zones.

D) coastal high-hazard areas.

Explanation: Coastal barrier zones.

Question 57

According to the Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction, which of the following is true?

A) Buildings should be set back from areas vulnerable to both long-term and storm erosion.

B) Siting a building at the 30-year coastal setback line means the building is safe for the next 30 years.

C) Siting a new building within the footprint of a pre-existing building means the new building will be safe from erosion.

D) The single most common siting mistake made by designers, builders, and owners is the failure to preserve dune vegetation on a site.

Explanation: Buildings should be set back from areas vulnerable to both long-term and storm erosion.

Question 58

Given an inspector, while doing a foundation inspection, finds the construction has encroached into a wetland area. What is the first action the inspector should take?

A) Issue a stop-work order and revoke the permit.

B) Have the code enforcement officer issue a stop-work order.

C) Issue a stop-work order until plans are revised and updated.

D) Contact the contractor and set a meeting to resolve the situation.

Explanation: Issue a stop-work order until plans are revised and updated.

Question 59

Additional construction documents for constructions in areas prone to flooding shall include all of the following information except:

A) base elevation.

B) elevation of the proposed lowest floor.

C) the elevation of the basement floor above the adjacent grade.

D) elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member.

Explanation: The elevation of the basement floor above the adjacent grade is the exception in this context.

Question 60

For construction in areas prone to flooding, the building official must require documentation of the elevation of the lowest floor prepared by a:

A) city building inspector.

B) registered home inspector.

C) certified floodplain manager.

D) registered design professional