40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

How many inches of end bearing do beams rely on when resting on concrete or masonry structures?

1. 1 inch

2. 2 inches

3. 3 inches

4. 4 inches

The correct answer is: 3 inches

When beams rest on concrete or masonry structures, they typically rely on a minimum end bearing of three inches. This amount of bearing helps to ensure that the load distribution is adequate, preventing excessive stress on the beam ends, which can lead to structural failure. The three-inch requirement is established to accommodate various factors such as potential shrinkage of the beam material, different thermal expansion, and settling of the support structure over time. A bearing of three inches provides sufficient space to transmit the load effectively while minimizing the risk of instability. This dimension also aligns with standard building codes and practices, which are designed to promote safety and longevity in structural design. With less than three inches of bearing, the structural integrity could be compromised, leading to potentially dangerous situations in the building's lifespan.