Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

What is the minimum distance from the end of each plate for wall to foundation anchor bolts?

1. 4" to 8"

2. 6" to 12"

3. 8" to 10"

4. 10" to 12"

The correct answer is: 6" to 12"

The minimum distance from the end of each plate for wall to foundation anchor bolts is specified as 6 inches to 12 inches. This requirement ensures adequate hold and structural integrity of the anchorage system, particularly in seismic and wind load situations, by preventing potential splitting or damage to the wood plates. Maintaining this minimum distance helps distribute loads more evenly and allows for the installation of the anchor bolts without compromising the structural performance of the wall assembly. Exceeding the minimum standard can help in certain scenarios, but the established range of 6 to 12 inches is critical to conforming to code specifications and best practices in construction, particularly in coastal and floodplain areas where structures face increased exposure to environmental forces. The other options suggest distances that either fall short of the minimum standards required for safe anchoring or exceed practical limits. Distances that are too small increase the risk of damage to the plate material, while distances that are excessively large can become impractical, leading to challenges in installation and potentially compromising the stack-up of structural elements.