Florida Building Code Practice Exam

The method of fastening a rim joist to a top plate that stands out as not being acceptable is the use of a 3" x 0.131" wood screw at 6" on center.

Wood screws can often be subject to stripping, which may reduce their holding power when compared to larger diameter nails or fasteners designed for structural connections. Although wood screws are suitable for many applications, fastening critical structural elements like rim joists typically requires a method that provides greater shear strength and overall stability.

In contrast, the other fastening methods listed are aligned with accepted practices in construction. For instance, using 8d nails and specific dimensions of other nails and staples are commonly recognized and approved techniques when it comes to securing structural components, ensuring that the connections are robust and able to withstand various loads. This helps maintain the integrity of the structure as a whole.