Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

What is the uplift value for a building with a roof and ceiling dead load of 25 psf in a 90 mph wind zone with stud spacing of 12" o.c.?

1. 30 lbs per stud

2. 50 lbs per stud

3. 20 lbs per stud

4. 10 lbs per stud

The correct answer is: 30 lbs per stud

To determine the uplift value for a building's roof and ceiling structure, you start by assessing the wind uplift load, which is influenced by the wind speed and the design of the structural components. In this scenario, the building is located in a 90 mph wind zone, and the roof and ceiling dead load is specified as 25 psf (pounds per square foot). First, you calculate the total uplift force using the basic wind speed and the area that the uplift must act upon. The uplift load is typically expressed as a force per linear foot of the building, which can be derived from the wind loading provisions in the applicable building codes. In this case, for a 90 mph wind zone and considering other relevant factors like exposure category and the building configuration, the uplift force can be computed, and then this total force is divided by the spacing of the studs. Given the stud spacing is 12 inches on center (o.c.), there are two studs per linear foot along the roof line. Assuming that the calculated uplift per linear foot, once adapted for the dead load of 25 psf, results in 60 lbs of uplift across the entire linear foot, this would mean each stud would share this load. Since there are two studs