According to California's seismic requirements, what is the minimum nominal shear capacity required for wood structural panel shear walls with 8d common nails at 6 inches on center at panel edges?
Correct Answer
D) 490 plf
CBC Table 2306.3.1 specifies that wood structural panels with 8d common nails at 6-inch spacing at panel edges provide 490 pounds per linear foot (plf) of nominal shear capacity. This capacity is used in calculating the required length of shear walls to resist lateral forces in California's seismic environment.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D (490 plf) is correct per CBC Table 2306.3.1. Wood structural panels fastened with 8d common nails at 6 inches on center at panel edges provide a nominal shear capacity of 490 pounds per linear foot. This tabulated value is used to determine the required shear wall length for a given lateral load demand.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 730 plf
Option A (730 plf) is incorrect. A 730 plf capacity corresponds to a much more heavily nailed configuration — typically 8d nails at 2 or 3 inches on center. The 6-inch edge nailing pattern specified in the question produces a lower capacity of 490 plf.
Option B: 230 plf
Option B (230 plf) is incorrect. This lower value corresponds to a lighter nailing schedule, such as 8d nails at 12 inches on center. The 6-inch edge nailing in the question produces significantly higher capacity than 230 plf.
Option C: 350 plf
Option C (350 plf) is incorrect. This intermediate value does not correspond to the 8d nail at 6-inch edge spacing in the CBC shear wall tables. It may approximate values for different nail sizes or panel thicknesses but is not the correct tabulated value for the specified configuration.
Memory Technique
For the common exam configuration of 8d nails at 6-inch edge spacing, remember '490 plf.' Associate '8d at 6 inches = 490': think of 8 × 6 = 48, close to 490. For the full table, note that tighter nail spacing = higher capacity. The 490 value is one of the most commonly tested shear wall capacities in California.
More trade-general-building Questions
When installing engineered lumber joists (I-joists) in California residential construction, what is the primary code requirement for web stiffeners?
What is the required attic ventilation ratio when a vapor retarder is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling according to the California Residential Code?
In California's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, which underlayment requirement applies to Class A fire-rated roof assemblies?
In California, when installing a tankless water heater in a seismic zone, what additional requirement must be met beyond standard installation practices?
According to the California Building Code (CBC), what is the minimum lap splice length for #4 rebar in a concrete foundation wall in normal weight concrete with f'c = 3000 psi?
According to CBC requirements for retaining walls in California, what additional design consideration must be addressed for retaining walls over 4 feet in height located in seismic design categories D, E, and F?
When constructing retaining walls in California that exceed 4 feet in height, which CBC requirement must be met regarding drainage?
Under California regulations, when is a reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention assembly required for a residential water service connection?
Under California Title 24, what is the minimum electrical service size required for new single-family residential construction?
According to the California Building Code, buildings located in Seismic Design Category D must comply with which specific seismic design requirements?
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
According to California Title 24 requirements, when must a vapor retarder be installed on the warm side of insulation in wall assemblies?
Next Question
When installing a gas water heater in California, what is the minimum clearance required from the draft hood to combustible materials according to the California Mechanical Code?