According to the California Residential Code (CRC), what is the maximum spacing for studs in exterior walls supporting one floor and a roof in Seismic Design Category D?
Correct Answer
C) 16 inches on center
CRC Section R602.3.1 requires studs in exterior walls supporting one floor and roof to be spaced 16 inches on center maximum in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2. This is a California-specific seismic requirement that is more restrictive than standard IRC provisions due to California's high seismic risk.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CRC Section R602.3.1 mandates a maximum stud spacing of 16 inches on center for exterior walls supporting one floor and a roof in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2. This tighter spacing provides the structural rigidity needed to resist California's significant seismic lateral forces.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 32 inches on center
32 inches on center is too wide for exterior load-bearing walls under seismic conditions. This spacing would severely compromise the wall's ability to transfer lateral forces during an earthquake and is not permitted by the CRC for this application.
Option B: 24 inches on center
24 inches on center is allowed for interior non-bearing walls and may be used in lower seismic categories, but it does not meet the more restrictive CRC requirement for exterior walls in Seismic Design Category D, where 16 inches is the maximum.
Option D: 19.2 inches on center
19.2 inches on center (a common spacing used for some floor joists and specific applications) exceeds the 16-inch maximum required by the CRC for this seismic category and wall configuration.
Memory Technique
Think '16 for seismic' — California's earthquake risk demands the tightest common stud spacing. In Seismic Design Category D, the rule is 16 o.c., no exceptions for exterior load-bearing walls.
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