In California seismic design category D, what is the maximum spacing allowed for horizontal reinforcement in grouted masonry walls according to CBC requirements?
Correct Answer
A) 24 inches on center
CBC Section 2103.13.4.2 limits horizontal reinforcement spacing to 24 inches on center maximum in grouted masonry walls in seismic design categories D, E, and F. This requirement ensures adequate seismic resistance for masonry construction in California's high seismic zones.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC Section 2103.13.4.2 sets 24 inches on center as the maximum horizontal reinforcement spacing for grouted masonry walls in seismic design categories D, E, and F. This spacing ensures adequate seismic resistance without excessive steel.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 16 inches on center
16 inches on center is more restrictive than required and is not the CBC maximum for SDC D. While tighter spacing may be used for structural reasons, the code maximum is 24 inches — 16 inches would be over-engineering relative to the code minimum requirement.
Option C: 32 inches on center
32 inches on center exceeds the CBC maximum of 24 inches for SDC D. Using 32-inch spacing in a high-seismic zone would violate the code and leave the wall insufficiently reinforced against lateral seismic forces.
Option D: 48 inches on center
48 inches on center far exceeds the allowable maximum and would be unsafe in any seismic design category D, E, or F. This spacing is not permitted under CBC for grouted masonry in California's high-seismic regions.
Memory Technique
Remember '24 for SDC D' — both numbers have a '4' in them. Seismic Design Category D = 24 inches max horizontal rebar spacing in masonry.
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