For wood shear walls in California Seismic Design Category D, what is the maximum aspect ratio (height to length) allowed for a shear wall segment when using 15/32-inch structural sheathing with 8d nails at 6 inches on center at panel edges?
Correct Answer
B) 3.5:1
According to CBC Section 2305.3.8.1, wood shear walls with structural sheathing and the specified nailing pattern have a maximum height-to-length ratio of 3.5:1 in Seismic Design Category D. This limitation ensures adequate stiffness and prevents excessive deflection during seismic events, which is critical in California's high seismic zones.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B (3.5:1) is correct per CBC Section 2305.3.8.1. For wood structural panel shear walls in SDC D with the specified sheathing and nailing, the maximum height-to-length (aspect) ratio is 3.5:1. This limit ensures the wall is stiff enough to resist seismic lateral forces without excessive racking or deflection.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 4:1
Option A (4:1) is incorrect. A 4:1 ratio is the general IBC limit for wood shear walls in lower seismic categories, but California's CBC imposes a stricter 3.5:1 limit in SDC D to account for the state's higher seismic hazard. Using 4:1 in SDC D would violate CBC requirements.
Option C: 5:1
Option C (5:1) is incorrect and far too lenient. A 5:1 aspect ratio would result in an excessively slender wall segment that would deflect far beyond acceptable limits during seismic loading. No CBC provision allows a 5:1 wood shear wall ratio in any seismic design category.
Option D: 2:1
Option D (2:1) is incorrect as a maximum — it is actually a very conservative (safe) ratio, but it is not the code maximum. The CBC allows up to 3.5:1, so a 2:1 is compliant but does not represent the limit. Selecting 2:1 as the maximum would unnecessarily restrict shear wall design.
Memory Technique
Associate '3.5:1 in SDC D' with the phrase 'Three-point-Five for the D-zone.' The D stands for Dangerous seismic territory, and 3.5 is slightly less than the standard 4:1, reflecting California's stricter stance. Think: in D, you drop from 4 to 3.5.
More trade-general-building Questions
When installing engineered lumber joists (I-joists) in California residential construction, what is the primary code requirement for web stiffeners?
What is the required attic ventilation ratio when a vapor retarder is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling according to the California Residential Code?
In California's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, which underlayment requirement applies to Class A fire-rated roof assemblies?
In California, when installing a tankless water heater in a seismic zone, what additional requirement must be met beyond standard installation practices?
According to the California Building Code (CBC), what is the minimum lap splice length for #4 rebar in a concrete foundation wall in normal weight concrete with f'c = 3000 psi?
According to CBC requirements for retaining walls in California, what additional design consideration must be addressed for retaining walls over 4 feet in height located in seismic design categories D, E, and F?
When constructing retaining walls in California that exceed 4 feet in height, which CBC requirement must be met regarding drainage?
Under California regulations, when is a reduced pressure principle (RPP) backflow prevention assembly required for a residential water service connection?
Under California Title 24, what is the minimum electrical service size required for new single-family residential construction?
According to the California Building Code, buildings located in Seismic Design Category D must comply with which specific seismic design requirements?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
According to California Electrical Code requirements for seismic installations, electrical equipment weighing more than how many pounds must be anchored or braced?
Next Question
When installing clay tile roofing in California, what is the minimum requirement for underlayment on roof slopes between 2.5:12 and 4:12?