In California seismic design categories D1 and D2, what is the required connection between the sill plate and foundation for wood-frame construction?
Correct Answer
C) 1/2-inch diameter anchor bolts at 6 feet on center maximum
CRC Section R403.1.6 and Table R403.1.6 specify that in seismic design categories D1 and D2, sill plates must be anchored with minimum 1/2-inch diameter anchor bolts spaced at maximum 6 feet on center. This provides adequate seismic resistance while being practical for construction.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CRC Section R403.1.6 and Table R403.1.6 specify 1/2-inch diameter anchor bolts at a maximum 6-foot spacing for sill plate-to-foundation connections in seismic design categories D1 and D2. This standard balances adequate seismic resistance with practical installation requirements for wood-frame construction in high-seismic California zones.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 1/2-inch diameter anchor bolts at 4 feet on center maximum
1/2-inch diameter anchor bolts at 4 feet on center is more restrictive than required. While a tighter spacing would technically provide more resistance, the code does not mandate 4-foot spacing; the maximum allowed is 6 feet on center.
Option B: 3/4-inch diameter anchor bolts at 4 feet on center maximum
3/4-inch diameter bolts are larger than the code minimum. The CRC specifies 1/2-inch diameter as the minimum; requiring 3/4-inch is not a code mandate and would unnecessarily increase cost and splitting risk in the sill plate.
Option D: 5/8-inch diameter anchor bolts at 6 feet on center maximum
5/8-inch diameter bolts at 6 feet on center uses a larger bolt size than required. The code minimum is 1/2-inch diameter; 5/8-inch is not specified for standard wood-frame sill plate connections in SDC D1/D2.
Memory Technique
Remember '1/2 at 6' for SDC D seismic zones: Half-inch bolts, Six-foot spacing. The '6' is easy — think of a six-point earthquake scale, and the '1/2' is the bolt diameter matching the fraction one-half.
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