Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Practice Test

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In a two-story single family dwelling, 28 feet deep, what is the maximum allowed spacing of lally columns in a basement supporting a 6x8 wood girder below an interior bearing wall?

  1. 6 ft 4 in.

  2. 4 ft 5 in.

  3. 6 ft.

  4. 5 ft 6 in.

The correct answer is: 4 ft 5 in.

In a two-story single-family dwelling, the spacing of lally columns is crucial for properly supporting the structural loads from above, including the weight of the building and any live loads. When determining the maximum spacing for lally columns supporting a wood girder, it's essential to consider both the size of the girder and the load it will bear. The 6x8 wood girder is a specific size that will influence the spacing since larger or heavier beams require closer support to safely distribute loads. Typically, building codes and engineering standards provide guidelines for the maximum allowable spacing based on the dimensions and load-bearing characteristics of the girder. In this case, the correct answer reflects the allowable distance according to these guidelines, with 4 feet 5 inches being the maximum spacing that maintains the structural integrity of the system. This spacing ensures that the lally columns can adequately support the wood girder, considering potential deflection and other structural forces that may act on it. Proper spacing is critical, as larger distances might lead to excessive sagging in the girder or even structural failure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these standards in residential construction.