Residential Building Inspector B1Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsHard
A residential building inspector is examining the installation of a new wood structural panel shear wall. The wall is designed to resist lateral loads in Seismic Design Category D2. What is the minimum nominal thickness required for the wood structural panel sheathing when fastened with 8d common nails at 4 inches on center at panel edges?
- A1/2 inch
- B5/8 inch
- C7/16 inch
- D3/8 inch
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 7/16 inch
According to IRC Table R602.10.4(1), for wood structural panel shear walls in Seismic Design Category D2, when using 8d common nails at 4 inches on center at panel edges, the minimum nominal thickness required is 7/16 inch. This combination provides the necessary shear resistance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 1/2 inch sheathing would provide adequate shear capacity but is not the minimum required for this specific configuration.
- B. 5/8 inch sheathing is thicker than necessary for the minimum requirement under these specified conditions.
- D. 3/8 inch sheathing is generally too thin for shear walls in high seismic categories, even with close nail spacing.
Shear Wall Panel Thickness (SDC D2)
For wood structural panel shear walls in Seismic Design Category D2, with 8d common nails at 4 inches on center at panel edges, the minimum nominal panel thickness is 7/16 inch.
- Seismic Design Category (SDC) influences shear wall requirements.
- Nail size and spacing are critical for shear capacity.
- Refer to IRC Table R602.10.4(1) for specific design values.
Memory trick: In SDC D2, a 'Seven-Sixteenths' panel with 8d nails holds strong.