Hurricane and Earthquake Resistant Framing: A Comprehensive Guide for Carpenters

Question 1

In hurricane-resistant construction, what is a primary benefit of using a shear wall system?

Accepted Answer

Shear walls create continuous load paths within a building, efficiently distributing forces.

Answer

Shear walls provide greater flexibility, allowing them to withstand higher seismic forces.

Answer

Shear walls are a more cost-effective option compared to other hurricane-resistant systems.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of shear walls in earthquake-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

To resist lateral forces

Answer

To support the weight of the structure

Answer

To provide thermal insulation

Answer

To create open floor plans

Question 3

Which type of nail is recommended for hurricane-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

Ring shank nails

Answer

Common nails

Answer

Box nails

Answer

Brad nails

Question 4

What is the purpose of a diaphragm in a hurricane-resistant structure?

Accepted Answer

To distribute lateral forces

Answer

To support the roof loads

Answer

To provide a working platform

Answer

To insulate the structure

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using engineered lumber in hurricane-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

Lower cost

Answer

Increased strength

Answer

Reduced material waste

Answer

Improved fire resistance

Question 6

Which of the following is a common design feature of earthquake-resistant structures?

Accepted Answer

Flexible connections

Answer

Rigid frames

Answer

Sloped roofs

Answer

Masonry walls

Question 7

What is the purpose of a continuous load path in a hurricane-resistant structure?

Accepted Answer

To transfer loads from the roof to the foundation

Answer

To create a barrier to wind-driven rain

Answer

To improve the thermal performance of the structure

Answer

To provide additional storage space

Question 8

For earthquake-resistant framing, which nail type is the most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Ring shank nails

Answer

Common nails

Answer

Box nails

Answer

Galvanized nails

Question 9

In high winds, how does shear wall sheathing enhance a structure's stability?

Accepted Answer

Transfers lateral forces to the foundation

Answer

Acts as a barrier against wind penetration

Answer

Provides thermal insulation

Answer

Reinforces interior walls

Question 10

Bolt-hold downs serve what purpose in earthquake-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

Connect the foundation to the framing

Answer

Provide fire protection

Answer

Enhance structural rigidity

Answer

Prevent moisture penetration

Question 11

For hurricane-prone regions, which roof truss type is the most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Hip truss

Answer

King post truss

Answer

Queen post truss

Answer

Scissor truss

Question 12

In hurricane-resistant framing, which bracing type is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Diagonal bracing

Answer

Shear bracing

Answer

Knee bracing

Answer

Wind bracing

Question 13

Why is a strong, rigid frame important for a building to resist earthquake damage?

Accepted Answer

It creates solid connections between beams and columns, preventing collapse.

Answer

It lets the frame sway easily, reducing damage from shaking.

Answer

It makes the building lighter, so earthquakes don't affect it as much.

Answer

It has flexible joints that absorb the earthquake's energy.

Question 14

In hurricane-resistant framing, which material is primarily used to connect wall panels to the foundation?

Accepted Answer

Hurricane clips

Answer

Nails

Answer

Screws

Answer

Joist hangers

Question 15

In earthquake-resistant framing, what is the main purpose of using blocking between studs?

Accepted Answer

To provide additional structural support for the walls

Answer

To prevent moisture accumulation

Answer

To improve insulation

Answer

To reduce noise

Question 16

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of earthquake-prone areas?

Accepted Answer

Frequent earthquakes

Answer

High winds

Answer

Heavy rainfall

Answer

Extreme drought

Question 17

In earthquake-resistant framing, what is the primary role of shear walls?

Accepted Answer

To transfer lateral forces to the foundation

Answer

To provide vertical support

Answer

To insulate the building

Answer

To enhance aesthetics

Question 18

When measuring the deflection of a beam, which tool is commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Dial indicator

Answer

Plumb bob

Answer

Level

Answer

Laser level

Question 19

Which type of framing involves the use of prefabricated panels?

Accepted Answer

Panelized framing

Answer

Stick framing

Answer

Platform framing

Answer

Balloon framing

Question 20

Which of these could be a long-term, hidden effect of earthquake damage on a structure that might not be immediately noticeable during an initial inspection?

Accepted Answer

Foundation settlement

Answer

Cracked windows

Answer

Buckled walls

Answer

Malfunctioning electrical systems

Question 21

Building codes for hurricane-resistant structures differ from those for earthquake-resistant structures. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 22

Which roof design is most resistant to wind uplift in hurricane-prone areas?

Accepted Answer

Hipped roof

Answer

Gable roof

Answer

Gambrel roof

Answer

Shed roof

Question 23

What is the primary function of hurricane clips?

Accepted Answer

Prevent wind uplift on roof sheathing

Answer

Secure roof trusses to walls

Answer

Strengthen wall studs

Answer

Guard against roof collapse

Question 24

What is the purpose of employing hold-downs in structures susceptible to earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Resist lateral forces on walls

Answer

Prevent foundation movement

Answer

Connect roof and wall framing

Answer

Reinforce floor joists

Question 25

What is the primary reason for utilizing diagonal bracing in walls?

Accepted Answer

Resist wind and seismic forces

Answer

Strengthen wall sheathing

Answer

Support roof loads

Answer

Prevent wall bowing

Question 26

Which building code establishes the standards for hurricane-resistant construction in coastal regions?

Accepted Answer

Florida Building Code (FBC)

Answer

International Residential Code (IRC)

Answer

Uniform Building Code (UBC)

Answer

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7

Question 27

In hurricane-resistant framing, what is the main purpose of the diaphragm?

Accepted Answer

Transferring lateral forces to the shear walls

Answer

Preventing roof collapse

Answer

Providing a surface for roofing materials

Question 28

In hurricane-prone areas, which framing technique effectively resists high winds and uplift forces?

Accepted Answer

Strongback framing

Answer

Platform framing

Answer

Advanced framing

Answer

Stick framing

Question 29

What is the primary function of a hurricane strap in hurricane-resistant construction?

Accepted Answer

To connect the roof structure to the walls, preventing roof uplift

Answer

To provide ventilation for the attic

Answer

To reinforce the foundation

Answer

To prevent the walls from collapsing

Question 30

What is the structural purpose of a shear wall in an earthquake-resistant building?

Accepted Answer

To resist lateral forces caused by earthquakes, providing stability

Answer

To insulate the building

Answer

To support the roof

Answer

To subdivide interior spaces

Question 31

Which of the following is a potential drawback of using hurricane clips?

Accepted Answer

Increased cost of construction

Answer

Improved wind resistance

Answer

Enhanced structural stability

Answer

Reduced risk of roof failure

Question 32

Which type of shear wall system is commonly utilized in earthquake-resistant construction due to its strength and cost-effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Plywood shear wall

Answer

Stucco shear wall

Answer

Brick shear wall

Answer

Drywall shear wall

Question 33

In an earthquake-resistant building, what is the purpose of a hold-down bolt?

Accepted Answer

To anchor the foundation to the framing, preventing uplift

Answer

To provide a pathway for electrical wiring

Answer

To connect the walls to the roof

Answer

To reinforce the shear walls

Question 34

In hurricane-resistant framing, what is the primary purpose of hurricane straps?

Accepted Answer

To prevent uplift caused by high winds

Answer

To provide additional support for the walls

Answer

To reinforce the roof structure

Answer

To prevent structural collapse

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a common shear wall material?

Accepted Answer

Gypsum drywall

Answer

Oriented strand board (OSB)

Answer

Concrete

Answer

Plywood

Question 36

In earthquake-resistant framing, what is the primary function of cross-bracing?

Accepted Answer

To distribute lateral forces

Answer

To prevent structural collapse

Answer

To provide additional support for the walls

Answer

To reinforce the roof structure

Question 37

In earthquake-resistant framing, what is the minimum spacing required for nails in shear walls?

Accepted Answer

4 inches on center

Answer

6 inches on center

Answer

8 inches on center

Answer

2 inches on center

Question 38

In hurricane-resistant framing, why are galvanized nails primarily used?

Accepted Answer

To prevent corrosion

Answer

To improve durability

Answer

To increase strength

Answer

To reduce weight

Question 39

Which framing technique is specifically designed to increase a structure's resistance to lateral forces caused by earthquakes?

Accepted Answer

Shear walls

Answer

Truss framing

Answer

Balloon framing

Answer

Platform framing

Question 40

What is the primary function of hurricane straps in a building's structural system?

Accepted Answer

To secure the roof to the walls, preventing wind uplift

Answer

To provide additional support for the floor joists

Answer

To reinforce the foundation against soil liquefaction

Question 41

Which type of fastener is commonly used to connect wood framing members in earthquake-resistant construction due to its high shear strength?

Accepted Answer

Strong tie connectors

Answer

Nails

Answer

Staples

Answer

Screws

Question 42

When constructing a shear wall in an earthquake-prone area, why is it important to use plywood or OSB sheathing?

Accepted Answer

Plywood and OSB provide a diaphragm that helps distribute lateral forces evenly.

Answer

They provide better insulation than other sheathing materials.

Answer

They are less expensive than other sheathing materials.

Question 43

What is the purpose of using flexible connections, such as hold-downs, in a hurricane-resistant framing system?

Accepted Answer

To allow the structure to sway with the wind without causing structural damage

Answer

To reduce the weight of the structure and make it more wind resistant

Answer

To increase the rigidity of the structure and prevent it from swaying

Question 44

In areas prone to both hurricanes and earthquakes, what is a common strategy for framing to address both hazards?

Accepted Answer

Combining shear walls with hurricane straps and flexible connections

Answer

Using only shear walls to address both hazards

Answer

Using only hurricane straps to address both hazards

Question 45

What is the primary advantage of using engineered lumber, like LVL or PSL, in hurricane and earthquake resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

They offer consistent strength and performance compared to traditional lumber.

Answer

They are lighter than traditional lumber, reducing load on the foundation.

Answer

They are significantly cheaper than traditional lumber.

Question 46

When inspecting a building for potential hurricane and earthquake vulnerabilities, what is a key area to focus on?

Accepted Answer

The connections between the roof, walls, and foundation

Answer

The type of insulation used in the walls

Answer

The style of windows and doors

Question 47

What is the purpose of a 'soft story' in a building, and why is it considered a risk factor in earthquake-prone areas?

Accepted Answer

A soft story is a floor with less stiffness than others, which can make the building more susceptible to collapse during an earthquake.

Answer

A soft story is a floor designed to absorb shock during an earthquake, protecting the rest of the structure.

Question 48

Which type of foundation is most commonly recommended for hurricane-prone areas?

Accepted Answer

Elevated foundation

Answer

Slab foundation

Answer

Basement foundation

Answer

Crawl space foundation

Question 49

What is the primary purpose of shear walls in earthquake-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

To resist lateral forces and prevent the structure from collapsing.

Answer

To increase the load-bearing capacity of the walls.

Answer

To improve the insulation of the building.

Question 50

What is the advantage of using hurricane straps in roof construction?

Accepted Answer

They help to secure the roof to the walls, preventing it from being lifted off during high winds.

Answer

They make the roof more aesthetically pleasing.

Answer

They improve the insulation of the roof.

Question 51

What type of lumber is commonly used for framing in earthquake-prone areas?

Accepted Answer

Structural plywood

Answer

Engineered lumber

Answer

Softwood lumber

Answer

Hardwood lumber

Question 52

How does the use of flexible connections in earthquake-resistant framing help protect the structure?

Accepted Answer

They allow the structure to move with the ground during an earthquake, reducing stress on the framing.

Answer

They make the structure stronger and less likely to collapse.

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for hurricane-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

Using single-ply roofing materials.

Answer

Using hurricane clips to secure roof trusses to the walls.

Answer

Installing impact-resistant windows and doors.

Answer

Constructing the house on an elevated foundation.

Question 54

What is the purpose of a tie-down system in earthquake-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

To anchor the roof and walls to the foundation, preventing them from being separated during an earthquake.

Answer

To improve the load-bearing capacity of the walls.

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a common feature of hurricane-resistant construction?

Accepted Answer

Large, exposed windows.

Answer

Reinforced concrete foundation.

Answer

Impact-resistant windows and doors.

Answer

Elevated foundation.

Question 56

How does the use of engineered lumber in earthquake-resistant framing benefit the structure?

Accepted Answer

It provides greater strength and stability compared to traditional lumber.

Answer

It is easier to work with than traditional lumber.

Answer

It is less expensive than traditional lumber.

Question 57

What is the main benefit of using a continuous load path in earthquake-resistant framing?

Accepted Answer

It allows the forces from an earthquake to be distributed evenly throughout the structure, reducing the risk of localized failure.

Answer

It makes the structure more aesthetically pleasing.