When constructing a wood-framed building in California's Seismic Design Category D, what is the maximum spacing allowed for anchor bolts in the sill plate?
Correct Answer
A) 6 feet on center
CBC requires anchor bolts to be spaced no more than 6 feet on center in Seismic Design Category D to provide adequate connection between the foundation and wood framing.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CBC Section 2308 requires anchor bolts in wood-framed buildings in Seismic Design Category D to be spaced no more than 6 feet on center. This ensures adequate transfer of lateral seismic forces from the wood framing into the concrete foundation. Additional bolts are required within 12 inches of cuts and corners.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 10 feet on center
10 feet on center far exceeds the seismic requirement and would result in insufficient connection between the sill plate and foundation. In lower seismic zones, wider spacing might be acceptable, but SDC D requires tighter spacing due to higher expected ground motion.
Option C: 8 feet on center
8 feet on center exceeds the 6-foot maximum required by CBC for SDC D. This spacing might be acceptable in lower seismic design categories but does not meet the stricter California seismic requirements.
Option D: 4 feet on center
4 feet on center is more conservative than required but not the code maximum. While closer spacing is never wrong structurally, the question asks for the maximum allowed, which is 6 feet. Choosing 4 feet confuses 'acceptable' with 'maximum allowed.'
Memory Technique
Remember '6 feet for SDC D bolts' — the same 6-foot number appears in multiple CBC seismic requirements (anchor bolt spacing, stirrup spacing limits, fall protection trigger height in Cal/OSHA). When you see SDC D + wood framing + anchor bolts, the answer is 6 feet. Think 'D for Deep anchorage every 6 feet.'
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