For buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category D in California, what is the minimum required inspection frequency for special moment frame welding according to CBC requirements?
Correct Answer
C) Continuous inspection during welding operations
CBC Section 1705.12.1 requires continuous special inspection during welding operations for special moment frames in Seismic Design Category D. This stringent requirement ensures critical seismic-resistant connections meet California's high seismic safety standards in high-risk zones.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC Section 1705.12.1 mandates continuous special inspection during all welding operations for special moment frames in Seismic Design Category D. Because moment frame welds are critical life-safety elements that resist lateral seismic forces, every weld must be observed in real time — intermittent sampling is not sufficient for these connections.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Daily inspection by certified inspector
Daily inspection by a certified inspector is not the code requirement for SDC D moment frame welding. Daily frequency would allow many welds to be completed without oversight, potentially allowing defects in critical seismic connections to go undetected.
Option B: Periodic inspection of 25% of welds
Periodic inspection of 25% of welds is allowed for certain lower-risk connections but does not meet the standard for special moment frames in SDC D. Sampling only a quarter of welds leaves three-quarters uninspected in a life-safety system.
Option D: Weekly inspection with random sampling
Weekly inspection with random sampling provides far too little oversight for special moment frame welding. This frequency and method are not recognized by CBC as meeting the special inspection requirement for SDC D structures.
Memory Technique
Special moment frames in SDC D = 'CONSTANT watch.' The inspector never leaves the welder's side. Think of it as a surgeon performing an operation — no one leaves the room mid-procedure because a mistake mid-weld could be catastrophic in an earthquake.
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