For platform framing in California seismic zones, what is the maximum height limitation for wood-framed bearing walls per story according to the CRC?
Correct Answer
A) 10 feet
CRC Section R602.3.1 limits wood-framed bearing walls to a maximum height of 10 feet per story in platform construction. This limitation is particularly important in California's seismic environment to ensure structural stability and proper load transfer between floors.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CRC Section R602.3.1 limits wood-framed bearing walls to 10 feet per story in platform construction. This ceiling ensures adequate stiffness and lateral load transfer in California's seismic environment, where taller unsupported walls would be more vulnerable to racking and collapse.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 12 feet
12 feet is above the CRC limit of 10 feet for platform framing. Twelve feet may apply to certain commercial or non-bearing configurations, but it is not the CRC maximum for residential bearing walls.
Option C: 14 feet
14 feet significantly exceeds the 10-foot maximum. Walls of this height would require engineering analysis and likely additional hold-downs or shear panels beyond standard prescriptive requirements.
Option D: 8 feet
8 feet is a common standard ceiling height and is often the actual finished height, but it is not the maximum the code permits. The code allows up to 10 feet, giving some flexibility above a standard 8-foot ceiling.
Memory Technique
Remember '10 feet per floor, no more': in earthquake country, keep each story's bearing walls within one standard story height (10 ft) to stay prescriptive. Think of it as 'ten feet = earthquake-safe platform.'
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