Under California Building Code requirements for seismic design, what type of sheathing attachment is required for wood structural panels in Seismic Design Category D?
Correct Answer
A) 8d common nails at 6 inches on center at edges
CBC Section 2305.3.4 and CRC Table R602.3(1) specify that in Seismic Design Category D, wood structural panel sheathing must be attached with 8d common nails spaced 6 inches on center at panel edges and 12 inches on center in the field to provide adequate seismic resistance.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC Section 2305.3.4 and CRC Table R602.3(1) specify that in Seismic Design Category D, wood structural panel sheathing requires 8d common nails spaced 6 inches on center at panel edges and 12 inches on center in the field. This combination of nail size and spacing is calibrated to deliver the shear capacity needed to resist California's significant seismic lateral forces.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 8d common nails at 12 inches on center at edges
8d common nails at 12 inches on center at edges is the field spacing, not the edge spacing. Using 12-inch edge spacing dramatically reduces the panel's shear capacity and would be non-compliant for Seismic Design Category D where high shear resistance is critical.
Option C: 10d common nails at 4 inches on center at edges
10d common nails at 4 inches on center at edges describes an even higher shear wall nailing schedule used in special conditions, not the standard Seismic Design Category D requirement. Using larger nails at tighter spacing without the engineering basis can also split framing members.
Option D: 6d common nails at 6 inches on center at edges
6d common nails are smaller and provide significantly less holding strength than 8d nails. Using 6d nails in a Seismic Design Category D application would fall well short of the required shear capacity and would not comply with CBC or CRC requirements.
Memory Technique
6 at edges, 12 in the field — edges get double the nails because that's where the shear transfers. Picture the edge of the panel as the 'action zone' that needs closer nailing.
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