CSLB General Building (B)Framing and CarpentryEasy
A framing crew installs a double top plate on an interior bearing wall, but the lap splice at a wall corner measures only 12 inches. Per conventional light-frame construction requirements, what is the minimum required lap length for a top plate splice?
- A12 inches
- B48 inches
- C16 inches
- D24 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 24 inches
Conventional framing provisions (based on IRC/CBC light-frame construction) require double top plate splices to lap a minimum of 24 inches, or the joint must be connected with a galvanized steel plate providing equivalent capacity. A 12-inch lap does not provide adequate tension transfer across the splice.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Too short; provides insufficient tension transfer at the splice.
- B. Exceeds the requirement; not the minimum standard.
- C. Still below the code-required minimum lap length.
Top Plate Splice Lap
The minimum overlap required when two top plate members are joined to maintain continuity of the wall's tension and load path.
- Minimum 24-inch lap required
- Alternative: steel splice plate with equivalent strength
- Splices should be staggered from joints below
Memory trick: '24 for the floor' — plates need two feet of overlap.