West Virginia Contractors License Practice Exam

When is it acceptable for footings to not extend below the frost line in West Virginia?

1. When the monthly mean temperature is 56 degrees Fahrenheit

2. When the monthly mean temperature is 62 degrees Fahrenheit

3. When the monthly mean temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit

4. When the monthly mean temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit

The correct answer is: When the monthly mean temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit

In the context of construction in West Virginia, footings typically need to extend below the frost line to prevent heaving and structural damage caused by freezing temperatures. However, there are specific conditions under which it may be acceptable to build footings above the frost line, particularly relating to the monthly mean temperature. The correct choice indicates that if the monthly mean temperature reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit, it allows for the potential of the footings not needing to extend below the frost line. This is based on engineering guidelines that correlate warmer average temperatures with reduced risk of frost-related issues. When temperatures remain consistently higher, the ground is less likely to freeze deeply, mitigating the need for deeper footings. The other temperatures provided do not meet the criteria established for safe construction practices concerning frost depth. Lower mean temperatures than 64 degrees Fahrenheit increase the risk of ground freezing, which could affect the stability of the structure, thereby necessitating that footings extend below the frost line.