Florida Building Code Practice Exam 2025 - Free Building Code Practice Questions and Study Guide

According to the Florida Building Code, plain concrete and masonry foundation walls require the use of either Type M or Type S mortar. Type M mortar is the strongest of the mortar types, with a high compressive strength, making it suitable for structural applications, while Type S mortar has moderate to high strength and offers good bonding properties. The option chosen indicates that both Type M and Type S are acceptable for foundation walls, ensuring durability and stability of the construction in a variety of conditions.

Type N and Type O mortars, while used in other applications, do not meet the necessary strength requirements for foundation walls as specified by the code. Type N is typically used above grade and where moderate strength is needed, while Type O has even lower strength and is generally used for interior non-load-bearing walls. Therefore, the emphasis on Type M and Type S ensures that the foundation walls will be adequately supported and resistant to lateral forces, which is critical for structural integrity.