Joists exceeding what nominal dimensions shall be supported by diagonal bridging?

Diagonal bridging is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of floor systems, especially when dealing with joists. The requirement for joists to be supported by diagonal bridging is established to prevent lateral movement and to provide additional stability to the framework, particularly when the joists are longer and subjected to greater stress.

Joists that exceed nominal dimensions of 2 inches by 12 inches need to be bridged diagonally. This is because larger joists, if left unsupported laterally, may experience significant deflection or twisting under load, which can lead to structural failure. The incorporation of diagonal bridging helps distribute loads more evenly and limits the potential for such failures, ensuring a more robust structural system.

Smaller dimensions, such as 2 inches by 10 inches or 1 inch by 8 inches, typically do not require diagonal bridging due to their sufficient inherent stability and the reduced risk of lateral movement or deflection under typical loading scenarios. As for the 3 inches by 12 inches option, while larger than the threshold, it falls within the same category where the specifications for diagonal bridging are already outlined effectively in relation to the 2 inches by 12 inches size.

Understanding these specifications is important for a construction supervisor to ensure compliance with building codes and safety