Residential Building Inspector B1Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsHard
A residential building inspector is reviewing plans for a new home in a seismic design category D2 area. The plans indicate the use of wood structural panel shear walls. What is the minimum nominal width of a wood structural panel required to be considered a shear wall segment, not including hold-downs or strapping?
- A16 inches
- B48 inches
- C32 inches
- D24 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 24 inches
According to IRC R602.10.4, the minimum nominal width of a wood structural panel shear wall segment shall be 24 inches. This minimum width ensures adequate capacity and stability for the shear wall to resist lateral forces.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 16 inches is typically the maximum stud spacing, but not the minimum width for a shear wall segment.
- B. 48 inches (a full sheet width) is often used, but it's not the minimum required for a segment.
- C. 32 inches is a plausible distractor, being a multiple of 16-inch spacing, but not the code minimum.
Shear Wall Minimum Width
The smallest allowable horizontal dimension for a wood structural panel shear wall segment.
- Ensures adequate lateral force resistance.
- Required by IRC R602.10.4.
- Does not include hold-down or strapping considerations.
Memory trick: Shear walls need 'Two Feet Wide' to stand strong.