Residential Building Inspector B1Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsMedium
A residential building inspector is observing the installation of continuous wood structural panel shear walls. What is the maximum height-to-width ratio permitted for a continuous wood structural panel shear wall?
- A4:1
- B2:1
- C5:1
- D3.5:1
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 3.5:1
For continuous wood structural panel shear walls, the maximum height-to-width ratio is limited to 3.5:1, as per IRC Table R602.10.6.1(1). This ratio is critical for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the shear wall in resisting lateral forces.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This ratio is permitted for segmented shear walls, but not for continuous shear walls.
- B. This ratio is too restrictive and not the maximum allowed.
- C. This ratio is generally too high and would compromise the stability of the shear wall.
Shear Wall Height-to-Width Ratio
The ratio of the height of a shear wall segment to its width, which is limited by code to ensure its stability and ability to resist lateral forces.
- Critical for lateral force resistance.
- Varies by shear wall type (continuous vs. segmented).
- Prevents overturning and buckling.
Memory trick: Shear walls stand tall, but not too tall.