Question 18 QMED04 - Boiler Technician-Watertender

The Correct Answer is C **Why option C ("Wedge") is correct:** A **wedge** (often made of wood) is specifically used in shoring and falsework to drive or pack tightly into a gap. When a primary shore post is cut slightly shorter than the required measured distance, wedges are driven into the small remaining space between the top (or bottom) of the shore and the structure it supports. This action introduces compression, ensuring the shore is tightly loaded and effectively supports the structure. Because the wedges carry the load and wood can shrink or settle, they must be frequently checked for tightness and occasionally redriven to maintain the necessary compressive force and structural integrity. **Why each of the other options is incorrect:** * **A) Strongback:** A strongback is a heavy timber or beam used to distribute the load over a larger area, typically spanning across several shores or holding sheathing in place (like in excavation). It is not used to make up a short length difference in a single shore post. * **B) Shole:** A shole is a timber, plank, or pad placed on the ground (often soft ground) beneath the base of a shore to increase the bearing area and distribute the load, preventing the shore from sinking. It is part of the foundation of the shore, not the mechanism for tightening the length difference. * **D) Beam:** A beam is a structural element designed to carry loads transversely (horizontally) across a span. While shores support beams, the beam itself is the supported structure, not the material used to tightly adjust the length of the supporting shore post.