40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

Cracks due to horizontal forces are typically accompanied by:

1. Cracking of windows

2. Sinking of the foundation

3. Bowing and bulging

4. Exposure of rebar

The correct answer is: Bowing and bulging

Cracks due to horizontal forces in a structure often result in noticeable deformations, which manifest as bowing and bulging of walls or structural elements. This occurs because horizontal forces, such as those from soil pressure, lateral loads from wind, or seismic activity, exert a significant amount of pressure on vertical surfaces, causing them to distort. As the walls bow outward or inward, it creates tension and compression in the materials, leading to cracks. In contrast, the other options typically do not directly correlate with horizontal forces. For instance, cracking of windows may be related to differential settlement or thermal expansion rather than horizontal stress alone. Sinking of the foundation is more about vertical loads and settlement issues, while exposure of rebar usually signifies severe corrosion or significant structural failures not specifically linked to horizontal forces. Thus, bowing and bulging accurately capture the effect of horizontal forces more clearly than the other choices.