In California seismic design category D2, what is the required nail spacing for structural wood panel sheathing at panel edges when used for shear wall construction?
Correct Answer
D) 3 inches on center at edges, 6 inches in field
CRC Table R602.3(1) specifies that in seismic design category D2, structural wood panels used for shear walls require 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on center at panel edges and 6 inches on center in the field. This enhanced nailing schedule provides the increased shear capacity needed for California's high seismic loads.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CRC Table R602.3(1) and CBC provisions for Seismic Design Category D2 — California's highest residential seismic zone — require 8d common nails at 3 inches on center at panel edges and 6 inches on center in the field for structural wood panel shear walls. This tight edge nailing maximizes the panel's shear capacity, which is critical in high-seismic regions to prevent lateral wall failure during an earthquake.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 2 inches on center at edges, 4 inches in field
2 inches on center at edges with 4 inches in the field represents an even more aggressive nailing schedule than the code requires for SDC D2. While it would provide higher shear capacity, it is not the standard code requirement and can cause panel splitting with over-nailing.
Option B: 6 inches on center at edges, 12 inches in field
6 inches on center at edges with 12 inches in the field is the standard nailing schedule for non-seismic or low-seismic applications (SDC A or B). This spacing is far too loose for SDC D2 and would result in inadequate shear wall capacity for California seismic loads.
Option C: 4 inches on center at edges, 8 inches in field
4 inches on center at edges with 8 inches in the field represents an intermediate nailing schedule appropriate for moderate seismic zones (SDC C or lower D zones). It provides more capacity than the standard schedule but does not meet the enhanced requirements for SDC D2.
Memory Technique
For SDC D2 (the toughest seismic zone): **D2 = Double the care = 3-inch edges**. The sequence is 3 and 6: edges at 3 inches, field at 6 inches. Think 3-6 as a phone area code pattern — you always say the smaller number first (edges tighter, field looser).
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