The first course of block is laid on top of a __________ placed on top of the footing.

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Multiple Choice

The first course of block is laid on top of a __________ placed on top of the footing.

In laying the first course of block, you need a bed of mortar on top of the footing. This mortar bed provides a level, bonded surface that the blocks can sit on squarely and bond to, distributing the load into the footing and filling small irregularities in the footing so the wall starts true. A loose gravel base wouldn’t stay in place or bond blocks to the footing, a sand bed isn’t stable enough to carry masonry loads, and a concrete slab isn’t a thin bedding for the first course. So the bed of mortar is the correct foundation for the first course.

In laying the first course of block, you need a bed of mortar on top of the footing. This mortar bed provides a level, bonded surface that the blocks can sit on squarely and bond to, distributing the load into the footing and filling small irregularities in the footing so the wall starts true. A loose gravel base wouldn’t stay in place or bond blocks to the footing, a sand bed isn’t stable enough to carry masonry loads, and a concrete slab isn’t a thin bedding for the first course. So the bed of mortar is the correct foundation for the first course.

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