ICC- High-Wind Connections, Anchoring & Roof Systems

Question 1

According to the Wood Frame Construction Manual, the maximum spacing for anchor bolts securing the sill or bottom plate to the foundation is:

A) 3 ft.

B) 4 ft.

C) 6 ft.

D) 8 ft.

Explanation: WFCM requires a maximum 6-ft spacing to resist uplift and lateral forces.

Question 2

Steel straps embedded in masonry foundations must receive, at a minimum, which coating after fabrication?

A) Electrically galvanized.

B) Hot-dipped galvanized.

C) Mechanically galvanized.

D) Corrosion-resistant powder coating.

Explanation: Hot-dip galvanizing provides the durable zinc coating required for long-term corrosion resistance.

Question 3

When roof members are spaced 16 in. on center, uplift connectors must also resist a minimum lateral load (parallel and perpendicular to the wall) of:

A) 125 lb.

B) 150 lb.

C) 175 lb.

D) 200 lb.

Explanation: SSTD 10 requires 175 lb of lateral resistance in addition to the calculated uplift load.

Question 4

Roof sheathing at gable-end walls designed for 110 mph 3-second gust wind speed shall be fastened a minimum of 4 in. o.c. with:

A) 8d ring-shank nails.

B) 8d hot-dipped galvanized nails.

C) 8d common nails.

D) 10d ring-shank nails.

Explanation: Ring-shank nails provide the higher withdrawal resistance needed at gable ends under high wind.

Question 5

Mulled windows in high-wind areas shall have mullions designed with a safety factor of:

A) 0.5 times design pressure.

B) 1.0 times design pressure.

C) 1.5 times design pressure.

D) 2.0 times design pressure.

Explanation: A safety factor of 1.0 relative to the design pressure is the minimum required for mullions.

Question 6

When using the prescriptive method of the Wood Frame Construction Manual, the maximum rafter overhang shall not exceed one-third of the rafter span or:

A) 1 ft.

B) 2 ft.

C) 3 ft.

D) 4 ft.

Explanation: The lesser of one-third the span or 2 ft limits cantilever forces.

Question 7

The maximum roof slope permitted by the Wood Frame Construction Manual is:

A) 6:12.

B) 8:12.

C) 10:12.

D) 12:12.

Explanation: Steeper slopes introduce construction and load-path complications beyond the scope of the prescriptive provisions.

Question 8

Structural sheathing attached to steel studs must use self-drilling screws with a minimum head diameter of 0.292 in. and a minimum edge distance of:

A) ¼ in.

B) ⅜ in.

C) ½ in.

D) ⅝ in.

Explanation: A ⅜-in. edge distance prevents tear-out of the sheathing under wind suction.

Question 9

In wind areas exceeding 30 psf, each masonry veneer tie shall support a wall area of not more than:

A) 2.00 sq ft.

B) 2.67 sq ft.

C) 3.00 sq ft.

D) 3.33 sq ft.

Explanation: The IRC reduces the tributary area per tie from the standard 2.67 sq ft to 2.00 sq ft under high wind pressures.

Question 10

A shear wall transfers lateral forces ultimately to the:

A) roof.

B) floors.

C) foundation.

D) exterior walls only.

Explanation: The continuous load path ends at the foundation, which must resist the accumulated lateral forces.

Question 11

What information contained in a product evaluation report will limit the basic wind speed zone where the product may be installed?

A) Structural zone location.

B) Method of product construction.

C) Maximum size of the product tested.

D) Design pressure of the product after installation.

Explanation: The design pressure rating directly limits the wind speed zones where a product can be safely installed.

Question 12

The Wood Frame Construction Manual requires steel straps embedded in masonry block foundations to have, at a minimum, what type of coating applied after fabrication?

A) Electrically galvanized.

B) Hot-dipped galvanized.

C) Mechanically galvanized.

D) Corrosion resistant powder coating.

Explanation: Hot-dip galvanization provides durable long-lasting protection against corrosion.

Question 13

According to the Wood Frame Construction Manual, what is the maximum spacing (in feet) for anchor bolts for sill or bottom plate to foundation?

A) 3.

B) 4.

C) 6.

D) 8.

Explanation: Maximum 6-foot spacing ensures reliable resistance to uplift and lateral forces.

Question 14

Refer to ASCE 24. If timber piles conform, the minimum dimension from bottom edge of bolt holes to the pile in floor beam attachments is:

A) 1.5 D.

B) 2 D.

C) 3 D.

D) 4 D.

Explanation: A minimum of 4D provides sufficient material to prevent splitting under load.

Question 15

Given: If steel studs are used for framing walls, structural sheathing must be attached with at least a self-drill/self-tapping screw with a minimum head diameter of 0.292 in. with countersunk heads, spaced a minimum distance from the edge. The minimum edge distance is:

A) 1/4 in.

B) 3/8 in.

C) 1/2 in.

D) 5/8 in.

Explanation: 3/8 inch minimum edge distance prevents edge tear-out.

Question 16

Refer to SSTD 10. Given uplift connectors must be provided as a truss bearing to resist uplift loads. In addition to uplift loads, when roof members are spaced at 16 in. o.c., connections must be capable of resisting a minimum of how many lb of lateral loads parallel and perpendicular to the wall?

A) 125.

B) 150.

C) 175.

D) 200.

Explanation: 175 lb of lateral resistance is required in addition to uplift capacity.

Question 17

As required in SSTD 10, roof sheathing installed at the gable end walls, designed for 110 mph 3-second gust wind speed, on rafters, shall be fastened 4 in. o.c. minimum with what type of fastener?

A) 8d ring-shank nails.

B) 8d hot-dipped galvanized nails.

C) 8d common nails.

D) 10d ring-shank nails.

Explanation: 8d ring-shank nails provide superior withdrawal resistance at critical gable ends.

Question 18

Mulled windows used in high-wind areas shall have mullions with a safety factor of how many times the design pressure applied to the window?

A) 0.5.

B) 1.0.

C) 1.5.

D) 2.0.

Explanation: Safety factor of 1.0 times design pressure is the minimum required.

Question 19

According to the FEMA Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction, in coastal environment installations, the optimum panel thickness for vinyl siding should be:

A) 0.035 to 0.038.

B) 0.040 to 0.048.

C) 0.045 to 0.051.

D) 0.052 to 0.055.

Explanation: 0.040–0.048 in. thickness balances strength, durability, and practicality in coastal conditions.

Question 20

When using the prescriptive design method from the Wood Frame Construction Manual, the maximum overhang of rafters must not exceed one-third of the rafter span or how many feet, whichever is less?

A) 1.

B) 2.

C) 3.

D) 4.

Explanation: 2 feet is the absolute maximum overhang under the prescriptive method.

Question 21

According to the Wood Frame Construction Manual, what is the maximum roof slope that is allowed?

A) 6:12.

B) 8:12.

C) 10:12.

D) 12:12.

Explanation: 12:12 is the steepest slope permitted under the prescriptive provisions.

Question 22

A shearwall transfers lateral forces from loads acting on a structure to its:

A) roof.

B) floors.

C) foundation.

D) exterior walls.

Explanation: The foundation is the ultimate receiver of lateral forces collected by shearwalls.

Question 23

According to the International Residential Code, splice lengths for grade 40 reinforcing steel shall be a minimum of:

A) 20 in. for #4 bars.

B) 24 in. for #5 bars.

C) 27 in. for #6 bars.

D) 30 in. for #7 bars.

Explanation: 30 inches is the minimum splice length specified for #7 grade-40 bars.

Question 24

When structural panels are being added to existing windows to deliver protection on a masonry structure with access attached to vibration-resistant anchors, what is the minimum anchor withdrawal capacity, in pounds?

A) 500.

B) 1,000.

C) 1,500.

D) 2,000.

Explanation: 1,500 lb minimum withdrawal capacity ensures panels stay attached under design wind loads.

Question 25

The Wood Frame Construction Manual requires steel straps embedded in masonry block foundations to have, at a minimum, what type of coating applied after fabrication?

A) Electrically galvanized.

B) Hot-dipped galvanized.

C) Mechanically galvanized.

D) Corrosion resistant powder coating.

Explanation: Hot-dipped galvanizing is the required minimum protective coating.

Question 26

According to the Wood Frame Construction Manual, what is the maximum spacing (in feet) for anchor bolts for sill or bottom plate to foundation?

A) 3.

B) 4.

C) 6.

D) 8.

Explanation: 6 feet is the maximum permitted spacing.

Question 27

Refer to ASCE 24. About structural design and construction: If timber piles conform, the minimum dimension from bottom edge of bolt holes to the pile in floor beam attachments is:

A) 1.5 D.

B) 2 D.

C) 3 D.

D) 4 D.

Explanation: 4 times the bolt diameter is the minimum edge distance required.

Question 28

Given: If steel studs are used for framing walls, structural sheathing must be attached with at least a self-drill/self-tapping screw with a minimum head diameter _____ with countersunk heads, spaced a minimum distance from the edge. The minimum head diameter is 0.292 in. and the minimum edge distance is _____ in.

A) 1/4.

B) 3/8.

C) 1/2.

D) 5/8.

Explanation: Minimum edge distance of 3/8 in. is required.

Question 29

Refer to SSTD 10, Standard for Hurricane Resistant Residential Construction. Given uplift connectors must be provided as a truss bearing to resist uplift loads. In addition to uplift loads, when roof members are spaced at 16 in. o.c., connections must be capable of resisting a minimum of _____ lb of lateral loads parallel and perpendicular to the wall.

A) 125.

B) 150.

C) 175.

D) 200.

Explanation: 175 lb is the required minimum lateral capacity.

Question 30

As required in SSTD 10, roof sheathing installed at the gable end walls, designed for 110 mph 3-second gust wind speed, on rafters, shall be fastened 4 in. o.c. minimum with what type of fastener?

A) 8d ring-shank nails.

B) 8d hot-dipped galvanized nails.

C) 8d common nails.

D) 10d ring-shank nails.

Explanation: 8d ring-shank nails are specified for the required withdrawal resistance.

Question 31

Mulled windows used in high-wind areas shall have mullions with a safety factor of _____ times the design pressure applied to the window.

A) 0.5.

B) 1.0.

C) 1.5.

D) 2.0.

Explanation: Safety factor of 1.0 is the code minimum.

Question 32

According to the FEMA Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction, in coastal environment installations, the optimum panel thickness for vinyl siding should be:

A) 0.035 to 0.038.

B) 0.040 to 0.048.

C) 0.045 to 0.051.

D) 0.052 to 0.055.

Explanation: 0.040 to 0.048 inches is the recommended optimum range.

Question 33

When using the prescriptive design method from the Wood Frame Construction Manual, the maximum overhang of rafters must not exceed one-third of the rafter span or _____, whichever is less.

A) 1 ft.

B) 2 ft.

C) 3 ft.

D) 4 ft.

Explanation: 2 ft is the absolute maximum under the prescriptive method.

Question 34

According to the Wood Frame Construction Manual, what is the maximum roof slope that is allowed?

A) 6:12.

B) 8:12.

C) 10:12.

D) 12:12.

Explanation: 12:12 is the maximum permitted slope.

Question 35

A shearwall transfers lateral forces from loads acting on a structure to its:

A) roof.

B) floors.

C) foundation.

D) exterior walls.

Explanation: Forces are transferred ultimately to the foundation.

Question 36

According to the International Residential Code, splice lengths for grade 40 reinforcing steel shall be a minimum of:

A) 20 in. for #4 bars.

B) 24 in. for #5 bars.

C) 27 in. for #6 bars.

D) 30 in. for #7 bars.

Explanation: 30 in. is required for #7 grade-40 bars.

Question 37

When structural panels are being added to existing window to deliver protection on a masonry structure with access attached to vibration-resistant anchors, what is the minimum anchor withdrawal capacity, in pounds?

A) 500.

B) 1,000.

C) 1,500.

D) 2,000.

Explanation: 1,500 lb is the minimum required withdrawal capacity.

Question 38

The enclosed areas below the DFE shall not be used for:

A) parking.

B) storage.

C) sleeping areas.

D) building access.

Explanation: Sleeping areas are prohibited below the DFE.

Question 39

Permanent flood openings in enclosures below the design flood elevation shall have the bottom of the opening no more than _____ in. above ground level.

A) 6.

B) 12.

C) 18.

D) 24.

Explanation: 12 inches is the maximum permitted height.

Question 40

Given: When engineered openings in enclosures below the design flood elevation are designed, specific flood opening coefficients of discharge (Cd) are used. The opening shape with the highest coefficient is:

A) round, unobstructed.

B) square, unobstructed.

C) rectangular with long axis vertical, unobstructed.

D) rectangular with long axis horizontal, unobstructed.

Explanation: Round openings have the highest Cd.

Question 41

Which of the following houses complies with flood plain management regulations where the bottom line below the base flood level in a coastal high hazard area?

A) On piles.

B) Dry floodproofed.

C) Dry floodproofed at or above the design flood elevation.

D) On piles with lowest horizontal structural member at or above the design flood elevation.

Explanation: Lowest horizontal member at or above DFE on piles is the compliant solution.

Question 42

According to ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, attached decks located in a Coastal High Hazard Area shall have support embedment:

A) 2 ft. below eroded grade.

B) 5 ft. below eroded grade.

C) 10 ft. below mean sea level.

D) equivalent to that of the main structure.

Explanation: Embedment must match the main structure.

Question 43

Refer to the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction. A deck constructed in a V zone and attached to a building must:

A) be of breakaway “construction.”

B) not exceed an area of 100 sq. ft.

C) meet a minimum uniform live load requirement of 30 psf.

D) be elevated to or above the bottom of the building’s lowest horizontal member.

Explanation: Elevation matching the main structure’s lowest horizontal member is required.

Question 44

According to the International Residential Code, foundations for manufactured housing used as a dwelling must:

A) comply with weathering requirements of IRC section R304.5.

B) connect ground anchors to the outrigger beam of the building only.

C) consist of vertical and diagonal ties as required to resist wind forces.

D) connect ground anchors to the main structural frame of the building and outrigger beams.

Explanation: Anchors must connect to both the main frame and outriggers.

Question 45

In accordance with the International Residential Code, a one-story 10 ft. x 15 ft. detached permanent storage shed located in an area with a wind speed of 110 mph is exempt from:

A) a foundation.

B) a building permit.

C) braced wall panels.

D) foundation anchorage.

Explanation: Small sheds of this size and wind exposure are often exempt from permit requirements.

Question 46

Given: A lateral addition constituting a substantial improvement is made to an existing building in a flood hazard area subject to high velocity wave action. The community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction have changed since the existing building was constructed. Which flood resistant requirements, if any, must the addition and existing building meet?

A) The addition only must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

B) Both the addition and the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

C) The addition must comply with the community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction in effect at the time the existing building was constructed.

D) Neither the addition nor the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction, provided the cost of the addition is less than the pre-addition market value of the existing building.

Explanation: Substantial improvement requires the entire building to meet current standards.

Question 47

Seawalls are primarily designed to:

A) prevent flooding.

B) allow wetlands to be converted to usable land.

C) prevent erosion and damage caused by wave action.

D) prevent flood debris impact loads from affecting structures.

Explanation: Primary purpose is erosion and wave-damage prevention.

Question 48

According to the International Residential Code, site grading and filling in a floodway must:

A) be approved if the grade is not raised or lowered more than 6 in.

B) be approved as long as the work does not result in standing water or ponding beneath a building.

C) not be approved unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the proposed work will not result in any increase in flood levels during the design flood.

D) not be approved unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the proposed work will not increase flood levels during the design flood more than 1 ft.

Explanation: No-rise analysis is mandatory.

Question 49

Given: Water control in coastal construction is essential. According to the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction:

A) if structural sheathing is used, it need not be protected against moisture.

B) most moisture barrier systems for walls require only a single drainage plane.

C) moisture barrier systems should eliminate water vapor transmission through the building envelope.

D) most water-intrusion problems are related to lapping of materials, and flashing around doors, windows, and penetrations.

Explanation: Detailing of laps and flashings is the most common failure point.

Question 50

New buildings in flood hazard areas are required to have flood damage-resistant materials:

A) above grade.

B) for the entire building.

C) below the design flood elevation.

D) above the design flood elevation.

Explanation: Materials below the DFE must be flood-damage resistant.

Question 51

What requirements does the Coastal Construction Manual put upon electrical panel installations?

A) They do not meet any special requirements.

B) They must be above the design flood elevation.

C) They must be 5 ft. above adjacent grade elevation.

D) They must be a minimum of 3 ft. above the design flood elevation.

Explanation: Panels must be above the DFE.

Question 52

According to Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction, breakaway walls in V-zones must be designed for the following loads acting perpendicular to the plane of the wall:

A) flood loads only.

B) 10 to 20 lb. per sq. ft.

C) the lesser of the wind load or the flood load.

D) the greater of the wind load, earthquake load, or 10 lb. per sq. ft.

Explanation: Greater of wind, seismic, or 10 psf is required.

Question 53

According to ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, “substantial improvement” of a structure located in a flood-hazard area is defined as the reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a structure which are performed for a cost of at least _____ percent of its pre-improved market value.

A) 25.

B) 50.

C) 75.

D) 100.

Explanation: 50 percent is the threshold.

Question 54

Which of the following costs must be included in substantial damage and substantial improvement calculations?

A) debris clean up.

B) interior finishes.

C) landscaping and irrigation.

D) design, surveys, and permits.

Explanation: Interior finishes must be included.

Question 55

Given: A lateral addition constituting a substantial improvement is made to an existing building in a flood-hazard area subject to high velocity wave action. The community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction have changed since the existing building was constructed. Which community requirements, if any, must the addition and existing building meet?

A) The addition only must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

B) Both the addition and the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction.

C) The addition must comply with the community’s requirements for flood-resistant construction that were in place at the time the existing building was constructed.

D) Neither the addition nor the existing building must comply with the community’s latest flood-resistant requirements for new construction, as long as the cost of the addition is less than the pre-addition market value of the existing building.

Explanation: Both must meet current requirements.

Question 56

According to the International Building Code, restoration of a substantially damaged building:

A) requires an emergency permit.

B) requires a variance from the board of appeals.

C) requires a special inspection of all components and cladding below the flood elevation.

D) requires the building to be designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads.

Explanation: The building must be redesigned to resist flood hazards and loads.

Question 57

In a flood hazard area, all of the following are considered new construction, except:

A) a substantially improved building.

B) an existing building moved to another site.

C) replacement of a partially demolished building.

D) repairs to a less than substantially damaged building.

Explanation: Minor repairs are not considered new construction.

Question 58

If an addition is added to a substantially damaged building at the same time repairs are made:

A) only the addition must be elevated to the current BFE.

B) only the repaired building must be elevated to the current BFE.

C) both the addition and the repaired building must be elevated to the current BFE.

D) both the addition and the repaired building must be elevated to the BFE in effect when the building was originally constructed.

Explanation: Both must be elevated to the current BFE.

Question 59

In all coastal flood hazard areas, shallow foundations for buildings:

A) need not be designed and constructed to withstand wave action.

B) must prevent flotation, collapse, and permanent lateral movement of the building during the base flood.

C) require a design in accordance with accepted engineering practice, if they support more than 4% of unbalanced lateral load.

D) must be designed in accordance with flood vents to equalize hydrostatic pressures under base flood and lesser flood conditions.

Explanation: Prevention of flotation, collapse, and permanent lateral movement is the core requirement.

Question 60

According to the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction, when the existing grade exceeds the BFE in a V-zone, slab foundations for buildings:

A) are prohibited.

B) are permitted in lieu of pile foundations.

C) must be reinforced to prevent damage in undermined areas.

D) must be designed and constructed with edges turned down below the BFE.

Explanation: Slab foundations are prohibited in V-zones.