A wood-framed shear wall requires 665 plf capacity. Using 15/32-inch structural sheathing with 8d nails, what edge nail spacing is required per CBC Table 2306.4.1?
Correct Answer
D) 3 inches on center
To achieve 665 plf capacity with 15/32-inch structural sheathing and 8d nails, the CBC requires 3-inch on center edge nail spacing.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Per CBC Table 2306.4.1, using 15/32-inch structural sheathing with 8d common nails, 3-inch on-center edge nailing provides approximately 665–670 plf allowable unit shear capacity. Closer nail spacing increases shear capacity; the table values correlate specific spacing to specific capacities for given panel thicknesses and nail sizes.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 6 inches on center
6-inch on-center edge spacing provides lower shear capacity (typically around 340 plf for this sheathing/nail combination) — insufficient for the 665 plf requirement. Wider spacing = less capacity.
Option B: 4 inches on center
4-inch on-center spacing provides moderate capacity (approximately 460–510 plf) — still insufficient for 665 plf. This is a plausible distractor but the capacity does not reach the requirement.
Option C: 2 inches on center
2-inch on-center spacing provides very high capacity (exceeding 665 plf, often 870+ plf) — more than needed. While structurally adequate, it is over-designed and not the minimum spacing that meets the requirement. The question asks what is required, implying the minimum spacing needed.
Memory Technique
Shear wall nail spacing is inverse to capacity: tighter nailing = stronger wall. For 665 plf with 15/32" sheathing + 8d nails, the CBC answer is 3 inches OC. Memorize the CBC Table 2306.4.1 capacity brackets for 8d nails at 2", 3", 4", and 6" spacings.
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