Foundation Walls

What this subtopic covers

Foundation stem walls correctly sized with sufficient height above grade; reinforcement, anchor bolts and fasteners of correct type, size and grade per approved plans; dampproofing and waterproofing; maximum unbalanced fill; bracing before backfill.

Paraphrased from the certification content outline published by the International Code Council for the B2 exam. This page cites no code sections and reproduces no code text: your code book carries the requirements, and the skill this site trains is finding them fast.

How to drill it

• Find the chapter of the International Building Code that carries this subject and read it once for structure, not retention: what lives here, what gets sent elsewhere, which tables exist.
• Write your own plain-language phrases for what this subtopic covers, then note the code's terms beside them. Mismatches between the two columns are exactly where exam questions cost you time.
• Run timed lookups: pick a requirement named in the descriptor above, start a stopwatch, find the governing text in your book, stop. Log the seconds. Past two minutes is a miss even when the answer is right.
• Weight your reps to the number above. Roughly 2 to 3 questions means this subtopic deserves repeated timed reps inside its area session.

2024 International Residential CodeThe book that sits on the table for two hours. Match it to the version you register for.Check price

The rest of area 03: Footings and Foundations (8%)

The kit that goes on the table

2024 IRCThe book itself2021 IRCIf you register on 20212024 Fast-TabsPlace them yourselfConstruction Master ProFeet-inch math, no errors

Match the book and tabs to the edition you register for.Confirm which, first.