Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

For what thickness of concrete is it common to simplify calculations by treating it as a whole yard?

1. 4 inches

2. 6 inches

3. 8 inches

4. 12 inches

The correct answer is: 6 inches

In the context of concrete calculations, treating a thickness of 6 inches as a whole yard simplifies the math involved in estimating volume, weight, and material requirements. A yard is defined as 36 inches, and halving this measurement yields 18 inches. Therefore, 6 inches represents one-third of a yard, making it a convenient figure for calculations, as most concrete mixes are measured in cubic yards. Using 6 inches allows contractors and builders to easily convert thickness into cubic yards when assessing the volume needed for a project. For example, when dealing with a slab that is 6 inches thick, one would calculate the volume by determining the area in square feet and then converting the 6 inches into feet (0.5 feet), thus allowing straightforward conversions into cubic yards. While thicker slabs, such as 8 or 12 inches, also require calculations, they complicate the computations because they might not represent a fraction of a yard as simply as 6 inches does. This ease of conversion at 6 inches makes it a standard reference point for many residential building practices.