A 3-story wood-frame building requires a shear wall with 1,200 pounds per linear foot capacity. Using 15/32-inch structural sheathing with 8d nails, what nail spacing is required at panel edges?
Correct Answer
A) 2 inches on center
For 1,200 plf capacity with structural sheathing and 8d nails, CBC shear wall tables require 2-inch nail spacing at panel edges to achieve the required shear capacity.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC shear wall capacity tables (based on AWC SDPWS) show that 15/32-inch structural sheathing with 8d common nails at 2-inch panel edge spacing achieves approximately 1,220–1,280 plf — meeting the 1,200 plf demand. Tighter nail spacing delivers higher unit shear capacity because more fasteners per linear foot engage the framing.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 4 inches on center
4-inch edge nail spacing with the same sheathing and nail type yields roughly 640–700 plf, only about half the required capacity. This spacing is appropriate for walls needing approximately 600–700 plf, well below the 1,200 plf demand.
Option C: 3 inches on center
3-inch edge nail spacing provides approximately 820–870 plf of capacity. While higher than 4-inch spacing, it still falls significantly short of the 1,200 plf requirement.
Option D: 6 inches on center
6-inch edge nail spacing is the field (interior) fastener spacing, not the edge spacing for high-demand shear walls. It yields only about 490–530 plf and would be dangerously inadequate for a 1,200 plf requirement.
Memory Technique
Shear wall capacity scales inversely with edge nail spacing: closer nails = more capacity. For 1,200 plf with 8d nails on 15/32 sheathing, remember '1,200 plf → 2-inch spacing.' The mnemonic: '1,200 needs 2' — the two numbers are both the lowest in their respective categories (tightest spacing, highest capacity).
More California Questions
A contractor is installing shear walls in a residence located in Seismic Design Category D. The engineer's plans call for 15/32-inch structural sheathing with 8d nails at 6 inches on center at panel edges. The contractor wants to substitute 7/16-inch OSB with the same nailing. Is this substitution acceptable?
You are reviewing plans for a mixed-use building where the ground floor will house a restaurant with commercial kitchen equipment. The architect has specified standard residential electrical requirements throughout. What Title 24 compliance issue should you identify?
According to CBC seismic provisions, what is the concept behind the 'strong column, weak beam' design philosophy?
A residence in California has 2,800 sq ft of conditioned space. The HVAC system efficiency is 16 SEER. What is the approximate Title 24 compliance margin compared to the minimum 14 SEER requirement?
You're constructing a foundation on liquefiable soils identified in a California coastal area. The geotechnical report recommends deep foundations. Which option is most commonly specified?
A contractor is installing a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system to comply with Title 24. The system serves a 2,000 sq ft house with 3 bedrooms. What is the minimum required ventilation rate?
During construction of a basement in sandy soil conditions, you encounter groundwater at 4 feet below grade. The basement extends 8 feet below grade. What is the critical design consideration per CBC?
During a seismic retrofit project, you discover that existing concrete has a compressive strength of 2,200 psi. The engineer specifies new anchor bolts that require 2,500 psi minimum concrete strength. What is the most appropriate action?
What is the maximum allowable notch depth in a 2x10 floor joist per CBC requirements?
You're reviewing plans for a wood-framed structure in seismic design category D. The project calls for a shear wall with 15/32-inch structural sheathing and 8d nails spaced 6 inches on center at panel edges. What is the allowable shear value per the CBC?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
You're building on a hillside lot with a 15% slope. The soil report indicates potential liquefaction. What foundation approach does CBC typically require?
Next Question
During a building inspection, you discover that the contractor used 2x4 studs at 24 inches on center for an exterior bearing wall in a two-story residence. According to CBC, what is the verdict?