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How thick does a load-bearing masonry need to be in a single-story building?

  1. 4 inches

  2. 6 inches

  3. 8 inches

  4. 10 inches

The correct answer is: 6 inches

In a single-story building, a load-bearing masonry wall typically needs to have a thickness of 6 inches. This thickness provides the necessary structural support to withstand the loads imposed by the building above, including the roof and any additional live loads. Keeping the masonry wall at least 6 inches thick ensures that it has enough strength and stability to support the weight without risk of failure. While other thicknesses are common in different contexts, such as 8 or 10 inches for taller structures or for enhanced strength in certain applications, the 6-inch thickness is a standard requirement for single-story constructions. It strikes a balance between structural integrity and material efficiency, making it a practical choice for load-bearing applications.