Residential Building Inspector Practice Exam

Where would you look to determine the seismic design category?

1. Appendix B

2. Section R301.2.2.1.1

3. Table R301.2.2.1.1

4. Section R401.2

The correct answer is: Table R301.2.2.1.1

The seismic design category is crucial for understanding the seismic risk and necessary design requirements for structures in various regions. To determine this category, engineers and inspectors refer specifically to Table R301.2.2.1.1. This table provides a clear and concise way to ascertain the seismic design category based on the location of the building, the type of occupancy, and other influential factors such as soil type. The table organizes this information systematically, allowing for quick reference to the applicable seismic design category without needing to navigate more general text. Each jurisdiction might have different parameters set by local building codes, but Table R301.2.2.1.1 remains a reliable resource for this specific inquiry. Other references, like Appendix B or the different sections mentioned, might provide supportive information or guidelines related to seismic considerations, but they do not serve as the primary source for determining the seismic design category itself, which is precisely what is provided in the table.