CBC Section 1613 references which standard for determining seismic design parameters in California?
Correct Answer
D) ASCE 7
The CBC references ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures) for determining seismic design parameters including ground motion values and design procedures.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC Section 1613 explicitly references ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures) as the governing standard for seismic design parameters, including site class determination, spectral response accelerations, and seismic design categories. California adopts and amends ASCE 7 through the CBC.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: UBC-97
UBC-97 (Uniform Building Code 1997) was the predecessor standard widely used in California before the IBC/CBC era. It has been superseded and is no longer the reference standard for current seismic design.
Option B: FEMA 356
FEMA 356 is a pre-standard document for seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings (now superseded by ASCE 41). It is not the referenced standard for new construction seismic design parameters in the CBC.
Option C: IBC Chapter 16
IBC Chapter 16 contains general structural load provisions and itself references ASCE 7 for seismic design β it is not a standalone standard. The CBC cites ASCE 7 directly, not IBC Chapter 16 as an independent source.
Memory Technique
CBC 1613 β ASCE 7. Think: 'California Seismic = ASCE 7.' ASCE 7 is the national load standard; the CBC adopts it with California amendments. 'A-S-C-E 7 = Always Standard for California Earthquakes.'
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