North Carolina General Contractors Practice Exam

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What is the factor used for calculating the number of CMUs per square foot?

  1. 1.0 blocks per square foot

  2. 1.125 blocks per square foot

  3. 1.5 blocks per square foot

  4. 2.0 blocks per square foot

The correct answer is: 1.125 blocks per square foot

The factor used for calculating the number of Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) per square foot is based on the standard dimensions of a CMU block, which is typically 8 inches high by 16 inches long. To convert this measurement into a square foot calculation, one should consider that one square foot equals 144 square inches. A standard CMU has a face area of 8 inches by 16 inches, which is 128 square inches. When calculating how many blocks fit into one square foot, the formula involves dividing the total area of one square foot (144 square inches) by the area of one CMU (128 square inches). This calculation results in approximately 1.125 blocks per square foot, which accounts for the fact that the blocks do not perfectly fill the square footage due to their dimensions. Thus, using this conversion factor allows for realistic cost and material estimations in project planning and execution, making 1.125 blocks per square foot the appropriate choice in this scenario.