What is the maximum spacing allowed for anchor bolts in a wood sill plate according to the California Building Code?
Correct Answer
B) 6 feet
CBC limits anchor bolt spacing to 6 feet maximum in wood sill plates, with additional requirements for bolt placement near corners and openings.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC Section 2308 (conventional light-frame construction) limits anchor bolt spacing in wood sill plates to a maximum of 6 feet on center. This requirement ensures adequate connection between the wood framing and the concrete or masonry foundation, distributing lateral and uplift forces across the sill plate. Additional bolts are required within 12 inches of plate ends and within 12 inches of each side of breaks in the sill plate.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 4 feet
4 feet is a more conservative spacing than required by code — it would be structurally adequate but is not the CBC maximum. Some high-seismic or high-wind zones with special requirements may use tighter spacing, but the standard maximum is 6 feet.
Option C: 8 feet
8 feet spacing would place anchor bolts too far apart to adequately transfer shear and uplift forces in most conditions. This exceeds the CBC limit and would result in a code violation.
Option D: 10 feet
10 feet spacing would be grossly insufficient for sill plate anchorage under seismic and wind loads typical in California. This option tests whether students know the code is stricter than intuition might suggest.
Memory Technique
Anchor bolts in sill plates: MAXIMUM 6 feet apart. Think of it as one bolt per every 6-foot stud bay width. Also remember: bolt within 12 inches of each end of the plate. '6 feet max, 12 inches from ends' — the CBC sill plate anchor rule.
More California Questions
A contractor is installing shear walls in a residence located in Seismic Design Category D. The engineer's plans call for 15/32-inch structural sheathing with 8d nails at 6 inches on center at panel edges. The contractor wants to substitute 7/16-inch OSB with the same nailing. Is this substitution acceptable?
You are reviewing plans for a mixed-use building where the ground floor will house a restaurant with commercial kitchen equipment. The architect has specified standard residential electrical requirements throughout. What Title 24 compliance issue should you identify?
According to CBC seismic provisions, what is the concept behind the 'strong column, weak beam' design philosophy?
A residence in California has 2,800 sq ft of conditioned space. The HVAC system efficiency is 16 SEER. What is the approximate Title 24 compliance margin compared to the minimum 14 SEER requirement?
You're constructing a foundation on liquefiable soils identified in a California coastal area. The geotechnical report recommends deep foundations. Which option is most commonly specified?
A contractor is installing a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system to comply with Title 24. The system serves a 2,000 sq ft house with 3 bedrooms. What is the minimum required ventilation rate?
During construction of a basement in sandy soil conditions, you encounter groundwater at 4 feet below grade. The basement extends 8 feet below grade. What is the critical design consideration per CBC?
During a seismic retrofit project, you discover that existing concrete has a compressive strength of 2,200 psi. The engineer specifies new anchor bolts that require 2,500 psi minimum concrete strength. What is the most appropriate action?
What is the maximum allowable notch depth in a 2x10 floor joist per CBC requirements?
You're reviewing plans for a wood-framed structure in seismic design category D. The project calls for a shear wall with 15/32-inch structural sheathing and 8d nails spaced 6 inches on center at panel edges. What is the allowable shear value per the CBC?
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
A contractor is framing a floor system using I-joists. The building inspector notes that web stiffeners are required at bearing points. According to CBC, when are web stiffeners mandatory for I-joists?
Next Question
You're reviewing plans for a wood-framed structure in seismic design category D. The project calls for a shear wall with 15/32-inch structural sheathing and 8d nails spaced 6 inches on center at panel edges. What is the allowable shear value per the CBC?