According to California's seismic requirements, which type of structural system requires special inspection during construction for buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category D?
Correct Answer
C) Steel moment-resisting frames and structural steel
Per CBC Section 1705.12 and Table 1705.3, steel moment-resisting frames and structural steel construction require continuous special inspection in Seismic Design Category D. This ensures proper welding, bolting, and erection procedures critical for seismic performance. Conventional wood framing typically requires periodic inspection rather than continuous special inspection.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC Section 1705.12 and Table 1705.3 require continuous special inspection for steel moment-resisting frames and structural steel fabrication and erection in SDC D. The quality of welded and bolted connections is critical to seismic performance — errors that go uninspected in these systems can lead to brittle failure during earthquakes.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Concrete foundations only
Concrete foundations alone represent only a subset of what requires special inspection. Limiting the requirement to foundations ignores the comprehensive inspection mandate for structural steel systems under CBC Section 1705.12.
Option B: Conventional wood frame construction only
Conventional wood frame construction in SDC D generally requires periodic (not continuous) special inspection for specific elements such as nailing and sheathing, not across-the-board special inspection. This option overstates wood-frame requirements while understating steel requirements.
Option D: All wood shear walls regardless of height
All wood shear walls regardless of height is incorrect. The inspection requirements for wood shear walls are more nuanced and tied to wall configuration and nailing schedules, not a blanket rule for all heights. This option conflates different inspection triggers.
Memory Technique
STEEL needs EYES — welds and high-strength bolts are permanent and invisible once covered. Continuous special inspection ensures every critical steel connection is verified before it is hidden forever.
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