Exterior stormwater inlets subjected to vehicular traffic must be set on a base capable of withstanding what?

• A. A base capable of sustaining the anticipated load
• B. A reinforced concrete slab
• C. A metal grate
• D. A wooden platform

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that outdoor stormwater inlets that vehicles drive over must sit on a base that can carry the weight of that traffic. The base has to transfer the load from passing cars or trucks through the grate and frame into the ground without settling, cracking, or shifting. If the base isn’t strong enough, the inlet can sag or move, damaging the structure and creating a hazard or drainage problems. While a reinforced concrete slab could provide such support, the requirement is about the base’s ability to withstand the anticipated load, not a specific material. The other options describe the grate itself or an unsuitable platform, which aren’t what the base needs to do.