Which CBC chapter specifically addresses wood construction requirements for seismic design?
Correct Answer
A) Chapter 23
CBC Chapter 23 covers wood construction requirements, including seismic design provisions for wood frame structures.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Chapter 23 of the CBC covers wood construction, including the seismic design provisions for wood frame structures. This chapter incorporates AWC NDS (National Design Specification for Wood Construction) and addresses shear walls, diaphragms, framing requirements, and other wood-specific seismic detailing relevant to California construction.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Chapter 18
Chapter 18 addresses soils and foundations, not wood construction. This chapter covers geotechnical investigations, foundation design, and soil classifications — important for understanding what the building sits on, but not for wood framing or seismic design of wood systems.
Option C: Chapter 16
Chapter 16 covers structural design loads and general structural requirements, including seismic and wind load determination. While Chapter 16 establishes the design forces that a wood structure must resist, it does not contain the wood-specific construction and detailing requirements; those are in Chapter 23.
Option D: Chapter 25
Chapter 25 addresses gypsum board, gypsum panel products, and plaster — finish materials, not structural wood construction. While gypsum sheathing can contribute to shear resistance in some wall systems, Chapter 25 is not the chapter for wood framing seismic requirements.
Memory Technique
Associate Chapter 23 with '2x3 lumber' — the smallest rough wood framing size. The '2' and '3' in '2x3' remind you of Chapter 23 for wood. Alternatively: '23 = wood. 16 = loads. 18 = soils.' Build a three-part chant to memorize these three critical CBC chapters.
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?
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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?
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