General Contractor Practice Exam

If you are pumping in a foundation for a building in an area with a high water table, what do you do?

1. Lower the water table

2. Install a sump pump

3. Construct a retaining wall

4. Use waterproof concrete

The correct answer is: Lower the water table

Lowering the water table is a critical step when working in areas with a high water table, especially in the context of pouring a foundation. High water levels can compromise the stability of the excavation, cause soil erosion, and lead to issues such as flooding or water infiltration in the foundation. By lowering the water table, you create a safer working environment that minimizes these risks during the construction process. Pumping out water or employing dewatering techniques allows the area to stay dry during foundation work, ensuring that concrete can set properly and that the foundations will not be adversely affected by water. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the soil surrounding the foundation, which is essential for structural stability. The other options, while they may play a role in foundation work under certain conditions, do not address the primary issue of the high water table as directly or effectively. Installing a sump pump, for example, can help manage water levels but does not proactively lower the water table over the long term. Constructing a retaining wall can be useful for directing water away but does not eliminate the need for proper foundation conditions during the pour. Using waterproof concrete can enhance a foundation’s ability to resist water infiltration but does not substitute for the importance of controlling water levels during the foundation’s installation.