North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

Which wall feature is least likely to pull up during an earthquake according to a typical inspection?

1. Wall with traditional ties

2. Wall with wood studs

3. Wall with metal L-shape ties

4. Wall with shear panels

The correct answer is: Wall with metal L-shape ties

The wall feature that is least likely to pull up during an earthquake is one equipped with shear panels. Shear panels are specifically designed to resist lateral forces, such as those caused by seismic activity. They are integral to the structural integrity of a building and help distribute and absorb the energy exerted during an earthquake, significantly reducing the likelihood of failure. The advantage of shear panels lies in their ability to provide additional strength and stiffness to the wall system. This means that the connections between the panels and the rest of the structure are less susceptible to the pulling forces that earthquakes generate, thereby keeping the wall more securely anchored to the foundation. In contrast, walls constructed with traditional ties or wood studs may not offer the same level of resistance to the lateral forces that occur during seismic events. Metal L-shape ties, although they can enhance wall strength, may still allow for some movement or displacement when significant forces are applied. Therefore, walls with shear panels are recognized for their superior performance during earthquakes, making them less likely to fail or pull up in such conditions.