Florida General Contractor Practice Exam

According to the Contractor's Manual, what is the maximum allowed slope for Type A soil for excavation less than 20 feet deep?

1. 1:1 ratio

2. 3:1 ratio

3. 2:1 ratio

4. 4:1 ratio

The correct answer is: 2:1 ratio

The maximum allowed slope for Type A soil for excavations that are less than 20 feet deep is a 1:1 ratio, which means for every one foot of vertical depth, there should be a horizontal distance of one foot. However, for safety and stability considerations, the recommended practices often allow for a less steep slope, particularly in areas where soil types vary or where there are concerns about erosion or failure. The 2:1 ratio indicates that for every two feet of horizontal distance on the slope, there is one foot of vertical height. This slope is considered stable for Type A soil, which is known to have the best properties in terms of cohesiveness and strength among soil types. Adhering to a 2:1 slope for Type A soil effectively reduces the risk of cave-ins and maintains the safety of workers during excavation. This ratio balances the need for efficient excavation while prioritizing worker safety and complies with industry standards as specified in the Contractor's Manual.