Framing & StructuralQuestion 459 of 700
In braced-wall and shear-wall construction resisting seismic loads, anchor bolts at the sill plate are commonly required to have what added component for load transfer?
a.A plastic sleeve around the bolt
b.A thin fender washer only
c.A steel plate washer (for example about 3 by 3 inches) between the nut and the sill plate
d.No washer, because the nut alone is sufficient
Explanation
A larger square steel plate washer spreads the clamping force and keeps the sill from splitting or pulling over the bolt head during shaking, improving lateral load transfer. A plastic sleeve does nothing structurally, a thin fender washer is undersized for shear walls, and omitting the washer lets the nut pull through the wood.
Law Reference: 2025 CA Residential Code §R602.11.1Practice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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