Ontario Building Code Practice Exam

The maximum allowable depth for a shallow foundation in a residential building is 1.2 meters. This is because shallow foundations, also known as spread or open foundations, are designed to transfer the weight of a structure directly to the ground, without the use of additional supports. They are typically used in areas with stable soil conditions and can only support a limited amount of weight. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they exceed the maximum allowable depth for a shallow foundation in a residential building and could potentially compromise the stability and safety of the foundation. Option A, 1.0 meter, could be too shallow and may not be able to adequately support the weight of a residential building. Option C, 1.5 meters, is also too deep for a shallow foundation and may require additional support or reinforcement. Option D, 2.0 meters, is significantly deeper than the recommended maximum depth and could lead to structural issues or failure.