Question #01.

For special moment-resisting space frames, what are the values of ap and Rp
(the instructure component of the amplification factor, and the total design or
service lateral seismic force respectively), for the attachment of suspended
ceilings?
NB: attachments include the anchorages and the required bracings.
A. 1.0 and 3.0.
B. 1.0 and 4.0.
C. 2.5 and 3.0.
D. 2.5 and 4.0.

Answer to #01.
A.
The CBC Table 16-O gives ap and Rp values for elements of the structure, for
non-structural components and for equipment.

Anchorages for suspended ceilings has an ap value of 1.0 and an Rp value of 3.0.

Question #02.
You are going to design a billboard structure next to a major highway. The
structure will be placed on its own foundation (versus sitting upon another
building).
What value of the seismic force over-strength factor Ωo should be used?
A. 2.
B. 3.
C. 4.
D. 5.

Answer to #02.
A.
Signs and billboards are known as non-building structures.
CBC Table 16-P states that the seismic force over-strength factor Ωo = 2.

Question #03.
Non-building structures that are not “rigid structures” and “tanks with
supported bottoms” should be designed to resist design seismic forces not less
than,
A. 0.11 Ca I W
B. 0.56 Ca I W
C. 0.70 Ca I W
D. 3.00 Ca W / R
Answer to #03.
B.
Non-building structures include all self-supporting structures other than
buildings that carry gravity loads and resist seismic forces.

Provisions for “rigid structures” and “tanks with supported bottoms” are given in
the CBC sections 1634.3 and 1634.4 respectively.

Based on the CBC Section 1634.5, other non-building structures excluding rigid
structures and tanks with supported bottoms should be designed to resist
design seismic forces not less than those forces determined from CBC Formula
34-2,
V = 0.56 Ca I W

Note that for seismic zone 4, the total design base shear should also not be less
than CBC Formula 34-3,

V = ( 1.60 Z Nv I / R ) W

Question #04.
You are required to design a rigid non-building structure with a period T = 0.04s.
Which CBC formula would you use to obtain the lateral base force V?
A. V = 0.70 Ca I W
B. V = 0.11 Ca I W
C. V = Z I C W
D. V = Cv I W / RT

Answer to #04.
A.
For non-building structures, the CBC provisions of Section 1634 should be used.

Rigid structures are defined as those with a period T < 0.06 s.

In the lateral force design, CBC Section 1634.3 Formula 34-1 should be used,

V = 0.70 Ca I W

The value of Ca in the formula is based on CBC Table 16-Q for the different soil
types.

Question #05.
The fundamental period T of a non-building structure should be determined by
which of the following CBC methods?
A. Method A.
B. Method B.
C. Either method.
D. Neither method.

Answer to #05.
B.
Based on CBC Section 1634.1.4, the fundamental period T of non-building
structures should be calculated sing rational methods such as Method B of
Section 1630.2.2, Item2.

Question #06.
Two water tanks are shown, with the left one sitting on a building’s roof, and the
right one self-supporting on its own foundations.
Which tank is considered a non-building structure?

A. I only.
B. II only.
C. I and II.
D. Neither.

Answer to #06.
B.
CBC Section 1634.1.1 defines a non-building structure as a self-supporting
structure that is other than a building, that carries gravity loads and resists
lateral loads.

The tank on the left is supported by the building, whereas the tank on the right
is considered a non-building structure.

Question #07.
An 80 foot tall special moment-resisting steel frame is eight-stories high. Its
fundamental period T = 0.7 s.
Using CBC, what is the maximum allowed design level response displacement ΔS
(the total story drift)?

A. 0.30 inches
B. 0.40 inches
C. 0.48 inches
D. 0.60 inches
Answer to #07.
B.
The Δs is the design level response displacement (total story drift) that occurs
when the structure is subjected to the design seismic forces. Based on CBC
Section 1630.10.1, the story drift should be computed using the maximum in-
elastic (plastic) response displacement ΔM. Its value can be obtained from
Formula 30-17,
ΔM = 0.70 R Δs

CBC 1630.10.2 states that the calculated story drift using ΔM should not exceed
0.020 times the story height for structures having a fundamental period of 0.70
s or greater,
ΔM = 0.020 h = (0.020) (80 feet / 8 stories)(12 in/ft) = 2.4 inches

CBC Table 16-N gives R = 8.5 for special moment-resisting steel frames.

Formula 30-17, ΔM = 0.70 R Δs , therefore,

Δs = ΔM / 0.70 R = (2.4 s) / (0.70)(8.5) = 0.40 inches

Question #08.
The calculated story drift of one level relative to the level above or below
(called the inter-story drift) due to the design lateral force shall include:

I. Torsional deflections.
II. Translational deflections.
III. Bending deflections.

A. I only.
B. I and II.
C. I and III.
D. II and III.

Answer to #08.
B.
The inter-story drift is defined as the lateral displacement of one level relative
to the level above or below.

In order to compute the inter-story drift, the maximum inelastic response

displacement ΔM should be used, ΔM = 0.70 R Δs

The resulting deformation Δs should be determined at all critical locations in

the structure according to CBC Section 1630.9.1.
The calculated drift ΔS as per CBC Section 1630.9.1 should include torsional and
translational deflections.

Question #09.
A structure in seismic zone 4 has an R = 8.5.
What may be the maximum design height of this structure?
A. 65 feet.
B. 160 feet.
C. 240 feet.
D. No limit.

Answer to #09.
D.
The structural systems and the R factors are listed in CBC Table 16-N.

Table 16-N gives an R = 8.5 for special moment-resisting frames and some dual
systems with special moment-resisting frames.

In all seismic zones, there is no height limit applicable to these systems.

Question #10.
A regular structure is proposed for a high-rise in a seismic zone 3. A static
analysis is performed to design this high-rise.
What could be the maximum design height?
A. 65 feet.
B. 160 feet.
C. 240 feet.
D. No limit.

Answer to #10.
C.
CBC Section 1629.8.3, item 2 states that for regular structures, when the static
lateral force procedure is used, the maximum design height of the structure
should be 240 feet.

Question #11.
An ordinary steel-braced frame structure will be designed as an office building
in San Francisco.
Based on CBC requirements, what should the maximum allowable height be for
this building?
A. 65 feet.
B. 160 feet.
C. 240 feet.
D. No limit.
Answer to #11.
B.
Ordinary steel and reinforced concrete braced frames are classified as building
frame systems.

Based on CBC Table 16-N, a 160 foot height limit is applicable to those systems
with steel in all seismic zones. However, reinforced concrete ordinary frame
systems are prohibited in seismic zones 3 and 4.

Question #12.
A property owner desires to build an apartment building in San Francisco for a
total occupancy load of 6,000 persons. An irregular structure will be designed to
meet the owner’s need.
If dynamic lateral force procedures are used, what should be the maximum
allowable height?
A. 5 stories.
B. 65 feet.
C. 240 feet.
D. No limit.

Answer to #12.
D.
When the dynamic lateral force procedure is used, the CBC Section 1629.8.4
imposes no height restriction for irregular structures in any seismic zone.

Question #13.
An engineer computes the total base shear V for a regular structure using the
static force procedure, and Method B for the building period T.
If a dynamic analysis is performed using the default spectral response of CBC
Figure 16-3, what percentage reduction of the total base shear V does the CBC
allow?
A. 0%
B. 10%
C. 25%
D. 75%

Answer to #13.
B.
According to the CBC Section 1631.5.4, Items 1 and 2, the base shear V for
regular structures, Vdynamic, computed by dynamic analysis procedures, should
be as follows,
- greater than or equal to 80% Vstatic (where the ground motion representation
complies with the CBC Section 1631.2, Item 2);
- greater than or equal to 90% Vstatic (where the ground motion representation
complies with the CBC Section 1631.2, Item 1).
Question #14.
For irregular structures, what percentage reduction of the total base shear V
(calculated by the static force procedure) does the CBC allow, when a dynamic
analysis is performed?
A. 0%
B. 10%
C. 25%
D. 50%

Answer to #14.
A.
According to CBC Section 1631.5.4, Item 3, the base shear V for irregular
structures Vdynamic, computed by a dynamic analysis procedure should be
greater than or equal to Vstatic (where Vstatic is determined according to CBC
Section 1630.2).

Question #15.
An engineering firm is designing a hospital in a seismic zone 4. The building has a
vertical irregular geometry, and its height is 65 feet.
Which lateral force procedure should be used?
A. Static.
B. Dynamic.
C. Either static or dynamic.
D. Neither.

Answer to #15.
C.
Irregular geometry structures in a seismic zone 4, requires,
- that static force procedures be used following CBC Section 1629.8.3, Item 3,
if the structure is not taller than 5 stories or 65 feet in height;
- that a dynamic force procedure may be used following CBC Section 1629.8.4,
Item 2, without a height limit.

Question #16.
For the structure shown below, Sn represents the story strength of the nth
floor. The relative story strengths of different floors are given as follows,

80% S2 < S1 < 90% S2

80% S3 < S2 < 85% S3
70% S4 < S3 < 80% S4
S4 = 80% S5
Which floor should be identified as a weak story?
A. 1st floor.
B. 2nd floor.
C. 3rd floor.
D. 4th floor.

Answer to #16.
C.
CBC Section 1629.9.1 and Table 16-L state that vertical structural irregularities
of the weak story type exist where the story strength is less than 80% of that
in the story above, or

Sn < 80% Sn+1

Checking for each story shows that S3 < 80% S4

Therefore, the third floor is a weak story.

Question #17.
The horizontal dimensions of the lateral force-resisting systems for two
different structures are shown below. Which of these two is defined as an
irregular vertical structure.

A. I only.
B. II only.
C. I and II.
D. Neither.

Answer to #17.
C.
CBC Table 16-L defines an “in-plane discontinuity in vertical lateral force-
resisting element”, where the offset of the elements is greater than the length
of the elements.
Assume that L1 is the length of the lateral force-resisting system in the first
story, and L2 is the length of the element in the second story. If the offset
length between stories is greater than the element lengths, vertical structural
irregularities exist.

For building I, the offset length is 10 ft + 2 ft = 12 ft, and the element lengths
are L1 = 10 ft and L2 = 13 ft. Since 12 ft > 10 ft, an irregularity exists. But 12 ft
< 13 ft, which does not meet the criteria. However, the previous comparison with
L1 is sufficient to classify the structure as vertical irregular.

Therefore, both buildings are irregular structures. Structure I also qualifies as

vertically irregular under Category C, Vertical Geometric Irregularity. Vertical
geometric irregularity exists when the horizontal dimension of the lateral
forceresisting system in any story is more than 130% of that in an adjacent
story.

For building I, the element lengths are L1 = 10 ft and L2 = 15 ft.

L2 / L1 = 15 ft / 10 ft = 1.5

The horizontal dimension of the element in the second story is 150% of that in
the first story, so the structure is vertically irregular.

For building II, the element lengths are L1 = 10 ft and L2 = 13 ft.

L2 / L1 = 13 ft / 10 ft = 1.3

The horizontal dimension of the element in the second story is 130% of that in
the first story, which is not great enough to classify the structure as vertically
irregular under this category.

Question #18.
A vertically irregular building has the fourth floor its story strength is less than
80% of the fifth floor.
Which type of irregularity applies?
A. A soft story.
B. A weak story.
C. A mass story.
D. None of the above.

Answer to #18.
B.
CBC Table 16-L categorizes the irregularity types, gives their definitions, and
provides their appropriate CBC reference sections.
Based on Table 16-L and Section 1629.9.1, when the story strength is less than
80% that of the story above, the vertically irregular structure is identified as
Type 5: Discontinuity in Capacity –Weak Story.

Question #19.
Which of the following buildings has a soft story?

A. I only.
B. I and II.
C. I and III.
D. II and III.

Answer to #19.
C.
CBC Table 16-L defines a soft story as a type of vertical structural irregularity
where the story stiffness is either less than 70% of that in the story above or
less than 80% of the average stiffness of the three stories above.

By inspection, the first story of building I and the middle story of building III
are considered soft stories.

Question #20.
In general, vertical irregular structures with more than two stories (or more
than 30 feet in height) are prohibited by the CBC when the percentage of one
story’s strength to the strength of the story above it is less than,
A. 50%
B. 65%
C. 80%
D. 85%

Answer to #20.
B.
CBC Table 16-L defines vertical irregular structures Type 5, Discontinuity in
Capacity – Weak Story, are those in which the story strength ratio of one story
to the story above is less than 80%.

CBC Section 1629.9.1, Type 5 structures with more than two stories or more
than 30 feet in height may not have a story strength ratio of less than 65%.
Question #01.
A residential high-rise building has a flexible upper portion (its tower) and a
more rigid lower platform portion (the parking garage). Both portions are
classified as “regular”. Using the static lateral force procedure, what is the
maximum period for the entire structure?

A. 0.28 sec.
B. 0.32 sec.
C. 0.35 sec.
D. 0.50 sec.

Answer to #01.
C.
CBC Section 1629.8.3, Item 4 states that the static lateral force procedure of
CBC Section 1630 is the appropriate method of calculation if,

T entire structure ≤ 1.1 T upper portion

The maximum period of the entire structure is,

T maximum ≤ (1.1)(0.32 sec) = 0.35 sec

Question #02.
Both structures shown below are regular and have an upper flexible tower with a
lower stiffer platform. Using CBC Section 1629, which of the structures can be
designed using the static lateral force procedure, provided that the period of
the entire structure is not greater than 1.1 times the period of the upper
portion?

A. Structure I only.
B. Structure II only.
C. Both I and II.
D. Neither.
Answer to #02.
B.
CBC Section 1629.8.3, Item 4 permits the use of the static lateral load
procedure of Section 1630 when the average story stiffness of the lower
portion is at least 10 times the average story stiffness of the upper portion.

K average, rigid lower portion ≥ 10 K average, flexible upper portion

For structure I,

Question #03.
An 80 foot structure in California has a concrete bearing wall system along one
principal axis and a special moment-resisting steel frame along the orthogonal
principal axis.
What value of R should be used?
A. R = 4.5.
B. R = 5.5.
C. R = 6.4.
D. R = 8.5.

Answer to #03.
A.
This structure has a concrete bearing wall system (where R = 4.5) in only one
direction and a special moment-resisting steel frame (where R = 8.5) in the
orthogonal direction.

For design in the orthogonal direction in seismic zones 3 and 4, based on the CBC
Section 1630.4.3, the value of R should not be greater than that used for the
bearing wall system.

Question #04.
In designing structures that support flexible non-structural elements in seismic
zones 3 and 4, when should interaction effects between the structure and the
supporting elements be considered?

A. The combined weight exceeds 25% of the weight of the structure.

B. The combined weight does not exceed 25% of the weight of the structure.
C. The combined weight exceeds 75% of the weight of the structure.
D. The combined weight does not exceed 75% of the weight of the structure.

Answer to #04.
A.
Non-building structures carry gravity loads and resist the effects of
earthquakes. They include all self-supporting structures other than buildings.
Based on CBC Section 1634.1.6, those structures that support flexible non-
structural elements whose combined weight exceeds 25% of the weight of the
structure should be designed considering the interaction effects between the
structure and the supporting elements.

Question #05.
Using allowable stress design loads, the CBC minimum resisting force for
retaining walls against overturning is,

A. half of the overturning moment.

B. 3/4 of the overturning moment.
C. equal to the overturning moment.
D. 1.5 of the overturning moment.

Answer to #05.
D.
In designing retaining walls against overturning, CBC Section 1611.6 requires
that the minimum resisting force should be 1.5 times the lateral force using the
allowable stress design loads.

Question #06.
Using the allowable stress design loads, the CBC requires retaining walls to be
designed to resist sliding by al least,

A. 50% of the lateral force.

B. 85% of the lateral force.
C. 100% of the lateral force.
D. 150% of the lateral force.

Answer to #06.
D.
For retaining walls, CBC Section 1611.6 requires the minimum resisting force
against sliding should be 1.5 times the lateral force using allowable stress design
loads.

Question #07.
CBC requires that interior walls, permanent and temporary partitions that
exceed 6 feet in height should be designed to which of the following criteria?

I. to resist all loads to which they are subjected?

II. to resist a minimum force of 5 lbf/ft2 applied perpendicular to the walls?
III. to deflect a maximum of L/360 of the walls’ span.
A. I only.
B. I and II.
C. I and III.
D. II and III.

Answer to #07.
B.
In designing interior walls, permanent and temporary partitions where the
height exceeds 6 feet, the CBC Section 1611.5 requires the following,
1) They must resist all loads to which they are subjected?
2) They must resist a minimum force of 5 lbf/ft2 applied perpendicular to the
walls. The 5 psf load need not be applied simultaneously with wind or seismic
loads.
3) They must deflect a maximum of 1/240 or 1/120 of the span of the wall with
brittle and flexible finishes, respectively.

Question #08.
The structures shown below are located in a seismic zone 4. During an
earthquake, they will drift equally (ie, the design level response displacements
are the same, ΔSI = ΔSII = ΔS ). There is no justification for rational analyses.
Based on this information, what is the minimum required separation between
these structures?

A. Twice the displacement ΔS.

B. Thrice the displacement ΔS.
C. Four times the displacement ΔS.
D. Five times the displacement ΔS.

Answer to #08.
D.
Based on CBC Section 1633.2.11, all structures should be separated from
adjoining structures. Separations should be allowed for displacements ΔM (the
maximum inelastic response displacements) due to seismic forces.

The minimum separation between buildings on the same property should be ΔMT
where,
where ΔMI equals the maximum inelastic response displacement of building I, and
ΔMII equals the maximum inelastic response displacement of building II.

CBC Section 1630.9.2 requires that ΔM be computed from the CBC Formula 30-
17,
ΔM = 0.7 R ΔS

ΔS is the total drift that occurs when the structure is subjected to the design
forces. To determine ΔM these drifts should be amplified.

For building I, using CBC Table 16-N, where R = 4.5,

ΔMI = 0.7 RI ΔSI = (0.7)(4.5) ΔSI = 3.15 ΔSI

For building II, using CBC Table 16-N, where R = 5.5,

ΔMII = 0.7 RII ΔSII = (0.7)(5.5) ΔSII = 3.85 ΔSII

Since ΔSI = ΔSII = ΔS

Using CBC Formula 33-2 to obtain the minimum required separation between the
structures,

Question #09.
In San Francisco (seismic zone 4), a special moment-resisting steel frame
structure with a height of 60 feet (five stories) is located next to a vacant
space on the same property.

An investor wants to build an 80 foot concrete shear bearing wall structure

(also, five stories) on the lot, close to the older building. The fundamental
periods of the existing and the proposed buildings are 0.8 and 0.5 seconds,
respectively.

Based on this information, what is the minimum separation between the two
buildings, as required by the CBC?
A. 3 inches.
B. 23 inches.
C. 28 inches.
D. 35 inches.
Answer to #09.
B.
From CBC Table 16-N, the R value for the existing structure is 8.5, and the R
value for the proposed structure is 4.5. Based on the CBC Section 1633.2.11
requirements, adjacent buildings on the same property should be separated by
at least ΔMT.

The existing structure has a T = 0.8 s. CBC Section 1630.10.2 requires that the
calculated story drift using ΔM should not exceed 0.020 times the story height
for structures having a fundamental period of 0.7 s or greater (which is the
case for building I). The inelastic displacement is, ΔMI = (0.020)(60 ft)(12 in/ft)
= 2.88 in.

For the proposed new structure, T = 0.5 s; the calculated story drift using ΔM
should not exceed 0.025 times the story height for structures having a
fundamental period of less than 0.7 s. The inelastic displacement is, ΔMI =
(0.025)(80 ft)(12 in/ft) = 4.80 in.

For the minimum separation needed between these two buildings at a height of
60 feet (the point of impact between the two buildings), use CBC Formula 33-2,

Question #10.
Mechanical equipment is constructed on the top level (roof) of a building. The
equipment is well attached to the structure. Its weight is 30 kips. With respect
to grade, the structure’s roof elevation is 80 feet, while the equipment
attachment is at elevation 86 feet.

Using seismic zone 3 design criteria, determine the total design seismic force
that this permanent nonstructural component and its attachment should resist.

A. 0 lbf.
B. 7,560 lbf.
C. 15,210 lbf.
D. 48,000 lbf.

Answer to #10.
C.
CBC Table 16-I shows a Z = 0.3; from Table 16-K Ip = 1.0. Also, from CBC
Section 1629.3, when the soil properties are not known, type SD should be used,
which yields a Ca = 0.36 from Table 16-Q for a zone 3. table 16-O gives the in-
structure component amplification factor ap = 1.0 and the component response
modification factor Rp = 3.0. Using CBC Formula 32-2,
But CBC Section 1632.2 states that Fp should not be less than 0.7 Ca Ip Wp,
Fp = (0.7)(0.36)(1.0)(30 kips)(1,000 lb/kip) = 7,560 lbf

CBC Section 1632.2 also states that Fp should not be more than 4 Ca Ip Wp,
Fp = (4.0)(0.36)(1.0)(30 kips)(1,000 lb/kip) = 43,200 lbf

Since 15,210 lbf < 43,200 lbf, this criterion is also met.

Question #11.
Backup electrical equipment for a surgery room of a San Francisco hospital is
installed on the roof with adequate support and anchorage. The closest distance
between this site and the seismic source type A is 3.11 miles. The equipment
weighs 4,000 lbf.

What is the lateral force on the equipment?

A. 3,600 lbf.
B. 6,230 lbf.
C. 7,200 lbf.
D. 12,720 lbf.

Answer to #11.
D.
CBC Table 16-I provides Z = 0.4. Table 16-K for the anchorage of the machinery
and the equipment required for life-safety systems, gives Ip = 1.5. Also, CBC
Section 1636.2, requires use of soil type SD when the soil properties are not
known. Table 16-Q gives the seismic coefficient Ca = 0.44 Na for a soil profile
SD and Z = 0.4. Table 16- S gives the near-source factor Na = 1.2 for a distance
of 3.11 miles and a seismic source A.

Hence, the seismic coefficient Ca = 0.44 Na = 0.44 (1.2) = 0.53

CBC Formula 32-1, the total (design, or service) lateral seismic force Fp is,

Fp = 4.0 Ca Ip Wp = (4.0)(0.53)(1.5)(4,000 lbf) = 12,720 lbf

Question #12.
For non-building structures with special and standard occupancy categories in
seismic zones 3 and 4, the intermediate moment-resisting frame (IMRF) may be
used when,
 I. the structure is less than 50 feet in height.
II. the structure is less than 160 feet in height.
III. the value of R used in reducing calculate member forces and
moments does not exceed 2.8.

A. I only.
B. II only.
C. I and III.
D. IMRF systems are prohibited in seismic zones 3 and 4.

Answer to #12.
C.
Intermediate moment-resisting frame (IMRF) is a concrete frame designed in
accordance to the CBC Section 1921.8.

Based on CBC table 16-N, footnote 5, these systems are prohibited in seismic
zones 3 and 4, except as permitted in CBC Section 1634.2. This section has an
exception that indicates that IMRF systems may be used in seismic zones 3 and
4 for nonbuilding structures in occupancy categories 3 and 4 (that is, special and
standard occupancy structures) when the following criteria are met,

1) The structure is less than 50 feet in height; and

2) The value of R taken from CBC Table 16-N does not exceed 2.8.

Question #13.
A walkway tunnel connects two high-rise office buildings in San Francisco. What
connections should be used between the walkway and the buildings?

A. Fixed connections on both ends.

B. Hinges on both ends.
C. Sliding connections on both ends.
D. Sliding connections on one end and hinges on the other end.

Answer to #13.
D.
The relative lateral displacement due to seismic loads of two structures
produces additional lateral force effects on the walkway. The connecting
walkway should have a sliding connection on one end and a hinge on the other end
to provide sufficient movement between structures.
Question #14.
An engineer under supervision of a registered civil engineer can prepare which
of thefollowing?
A. Plans.
B. Reports.
C. Quantity calculations.
D. All of the above.

Answer to #14.
D.
Plans, reports and quantity calculations can be prepared by a registered civil
engineers and their bona fide employees.

However, only the registered civil engineer can seal and sign all final
professional documents.

Question #15.
Which of the following final documents must bear the seal of a registered civil
engineer?
I. Plans.
II. Specifications.
III. Reports.

A. I only.
B. I and II.
C. I and III.
D. I, II and III.

Answer to #15.
D.
All final plans, specifications, reports and documents shall bear the seal of a
registered civil engineer, as well as his (or her) signature.

Question #16.
A report characterizing the potential for liquefation is needed for the site of an
office building. Who provides this information?

A. An architect.
B. A contractor
C. A civil engineer.
D. A geotechnical engineer.
Answer to #16.
D.
Geotechnical engineers should provide the analysis of geotechnical data for a
site.

Question #17.
For a single family home, who is responsible for signing the final soils report?

A. A geotechnical engineer.
B. An architect.
C. A registered civil engineer.
D. A contractor.

Answer to #17.
C.
The soils report (also called the geotechnical report) is prepared by engineers in
the geotechnical branch of civil engineering. The person who signs the report
and is reponsible for the document must be a registered civil engineer.

Question #18.
Who should sign the plans, specifications, and reports of an engineering firm?

A. The owner of the firm.

B. The property owner.
C. A registered civil engineer.
D. A building inspector.

Answer to #18.
C.
Regardless of ownership of the engineering firm, the registered civil engineer is
responsible for all final plans, specifications and reports.

Question #19.
For one-story residential buildings, which of the following registered
professionals can design and sign plans?

A. Architects.
B. Civil engineers.
C. Structural engineers.
D. All of the above.
Answer to #19.
D.
Architects, civil engineers and structural engineers can design and sign/seal
plans for one-story residential buildings.

Question #20.
Who should sign and seal the structural plans for a school in California?

A. A registered civil engineer.

B. A registered structural engineer.
C. An experienced engineer.
D. A geotechnical engineer.

Answer to #20.
B.
The requirements of the Division of the State Architect, State Department of
General Services, registered structural engineers must sign and seal engineering
design plans for schools in California.

Question #21.
For structural systems, the details of connections that resist seismic forces
should be,

A. provided by the contractor.

B. designed by the engineer.
C. dictated by the building inspector.
D. all of the above.

Answer to #21.
B.
Engineers should design the details of connections according to requirements
and limitations prescribed in the CBC.

Question #22.
What does the California Hospital Act require?

A. no construction of hospitals near faults.

B. fully functional hospitals after an earthquake.
C. using special moment-resisting frames for hospitals.
D. construction of hospitals with base isolation.

Answer to #22.
B.
The California Hospital Act requires that hospitals be fully functional and
operational after an earthquake.
Question #23.
The California legislature act, that pertains to enforcing minimum standards for
lateral resistance in all structures is,

A. the Field Act.

B. the Riley Act.
C. the CBC Act.
D. none of the above.

Answer to #23.
B.
The 1933 Long Beach earthquake caused much structural damage. Following the
earthquake,
- the Riley Act was established, which set minimum standards for lateral force
resistance in all structures, and
- the Field act imparted school design approved in the Division of the State
Architect, State Department of General Services.

Question #24.
What California Administrative Code requires that hospitals can be operational
after
an earthquake?
A. Title 6.
B. Title 12.
C. Title 18.
D. Title 24.

Answer to #24.
D.
Title 24 of the California Building Standards Administrative Code mandates that
hospitals be operational after an earthquake.

It also requires that school buildings resist the earthquake forces generated by
major earthquakes without catastrophic collapse.