Unit 3 - Sizing Beams, Joist and Lintels-Exam

10/27/2021
Unit 3 & 4:Wood Buildings

Beam, Joist , Truss and
Lintel- Sizing
Maziar Asefi (PhD, March, PMP, MRAIC)
Revised September 2021
Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses
Module outlines:
1. The difference between Joists, Beams, Truss and Lintels
2. Joists – Definition and Types of joists,
3. Beams - Definition and Types of beams,
4. Lintels - Definition and Types of lintels.
5. Trusses- Definition and Types of Trusses
6. 6. Sizing lumber framing members,
7. Sizing steel beams and lintels.
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1. The differences between joists, beams and lintels
 Joists are a series of closely spaced

structural element that supports a small
intermediate load from a floor, ceiling or
roof.
 Beams are large widely-spaced structural

elements that supports a series of smaller
structural elements like joists and
columns,
 Lintels are small structural elements that

support the weight of a wall above an
opening such as a door or window.
https://www.woodaware.com/construction-products/pictorial-guide

1. The differences between joists, beams and lintels
 Lintels are small structural elements that

support the weight of a wall above an
opening such as a door or window.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/40295335@N00/with/8352770444/
https://www.pinterest.fr/pin/352195633343700010/
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1. Definition of Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses
https://www.rona.ca/en/workshop/guides/wall-ceiling-structural-materials

1. Definition of Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses
Engineered
Floor Joist
Engineered Beam
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2. Joists
A joist is a structural element that supports a

small intermediate load.
 A joist is smaller than the beam that

supports it,
Floor
 A joist typically supports a limited vertical joists
https://selfbuild.ie/advice/how-much-will-your-floors-cost/
load, and should be restrained from
twisting at the ends by providing strapping,
bridging and/or blocking,

2. Joists
There are several types of structural joists:
 A floor joist – supports a floor, and is almost always flat, except at ramps.
 A roof joist – supports the load on a roof and a ceiling and can be sloped
or flat.
 A ceiling joist – can be flat or sloped, and supports the weight of the ceiling
but not a floor, such as an non-accessible attic.
 A rafter – is typically sloped, and supports the load from a roof only.
Rafters are used in combination with ceiling joists and collar ties.
 A collar tie – provides intermediate support between rafters and improves

their strength.
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2. Joists
This image describes

some of those wood
framing members…
Roof
joists
https://www.hometips.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/house-framing-platform.gif

2. Joists
Joists can be composed of

several types of materials and
shapes including:
 Lumber joist
https://pacific-homes.com/2017/06/29/a-
 Engineered Lumber joist guide-to-choosing-your-floor-framing-system/
 Open Wood Web Joist
 Open Metal Web Joist
 Steel joist
https://www.buildwithbmc.com/bmc/Trusses-I-
https://www.cecobuildings.com/blog/the-
Joists-Engineered-Lumber/I-Joists-
advantages-of-a-long-bay-roof-system/
Rimboards/Trus-Joist-TJI-Joist-
110/p/TJI11016
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2. Joists
Types of Joists include:
 Lumber joist – lumber is cut from

a tree into various sizes, typical
2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 and
2x12. Only 2x6 to 2x12 are used
as joists.
https://i.redd.it/vs16ocyos8r21.jpg https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/247838785724187473/?nic_v2
=1a4qZaYXo

2. Joists
Types of Joists include (cont.):
 Engineered Lumber joists –

various types of lumber,
plywood and engineered
sheathing are combined
Nordic I-Joists - Top and bottom chords are made of lumber, while the web is
together to create economical OSB (Oriented Strandboard)
and/or stronger joists. https://coastalforestproducts.com/engineered-wood-products/nordic-i-joists/
 the wood used to make

engineered lumber
includes simple lumber to
flakes of wood…
TJI floor joists – top and bottom chords are made of laminated layers of plywood, while web is OSB
https://www.fp-supply.com/st-louis-trusjoist-tji-i-joists.html
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2. Joists
Types of Joists include (cont.):
 Open Wood Web Joists – are

assembled from various sizes
of lumber and joined together
with complex glued joints.
https://prospanewp.com/open-web-joists

2. Joists
Types of Joists include

(cont.):
 Open Metal Web Joist –

are made from both
lumber or engineered
lumber and galvanized
steel braces used to join
the upper and lower
chords.
https://www.merronbrook.co.uk/products-and-services/floor-joists/
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2. Joists
Types of Joists include

(cont.):
 Steel joists – are made

from thin galvanized steel
sheets and rolled and/or
bent into shapes similar to
a lumber joist.
https://www.ispansystems.com/projects/haven/

2. Joists
Strapping, Bridging and

Blocking
Joist should be restrained

from twisting at the ends by
providing strapping, bridging
and/or blocking,
https://www.diychatroom.com/threads/joist-bracing-blocking-qs.81493/
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2. Joists

2. Joists
Strapping
Strapping is the process of

installing wood (or, in
advanced installations,
another material)
perpendicular to the joists.
The strapping serves as the
nailing surface for the
drywall.
https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/framing/strapping-ceilings_o
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2. Joists
Bridging
Rows of cross-bridging
between the floor joists that
helps prevent joists from
twisting when they're loaded.
It also helps to make sure
concentrated loads are
shared between multiple
joists
http://alohonyai.blogspot.com/2018/04/geometry-of-joist-bridging.html

2. Joists
Solid Blocking/Bridging
A solid member placed

between adjacent floor joists
near the center of the span to
prevent joists or rafters from
twisting.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7f/3c/5d/7f3c5d8a4ec551b77ba33614cfbc6a75.jpg
https://www.completedesign.cc/client-resources/dictionary-of-construction-terminology/666-solid-bridging
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3. Beams
https://constructionmentor.net/wood-beams/#jp-carousel-2725

3. Beams
 A beam is almost always larger than the

joists that it supports,
 A beam can be supported by columns or

piers, part of a loadbearing wall, or
another beam.
 A beam is typically (but not always)

composed of one to five structural
elements.
https://www.woodaware.com/construction-products/pictorial-guide
Wood
Beam
Floor
Joist
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3. Beams
There are several types of

beam designs, including:
 Dropped beam,
 Flush beam,
 Cantilevered beam.
https://plasticinehouse.com/deck-beam-spacing/

3. Beams
There are several types of beam

designs, including:
 A dropped beam – the joists sit on

top of the beam, resulting in a
‘bump’ below the ceiling, i.e. the
beam is visible. https://scottmcgillivray.com/frame-around-ductwork-5-easy-steps/
 Joists can be simply nailed or

screwed to the beam ( or wood
plate), therefore do not require joist
hangers.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2015/07/14/how-to-install-a-load-bearing-beam
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3. Beams
There are several types of beam designs,

including:
 A dropped beam can be left exposed

or can be concealed in drywall.
https://www.contractortalk.com/threads/sides-of-dropped-beam-as-raceway-in-crawlspace.95388/ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2018/10/10/houses-by-design-beams-on-a-budget

3. Beams

including:
 A flush beam – joists frame into the side

of the beam, generally concealing the
beam within the joist cavity.
Engineered joists framing into the side of a wood beam
https://www.anthonyforest.com/ewp/power-beam.shtml
Engineered joists framing into the side of a steel beam

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2020/04/08/steel-with-wood-framing
https://plasticinehouse.com/deck-beam-spacing/
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3. Beams
A flush beam – the joists are most

often supported by a metal joist
hanger, nailed to a wood beam or top
plate, or welded to a steel beam.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-gb/shop/hardware/outdoor-
hardware/structures/102291-ozco-joist-hangers-for-outdoor- https://www.openjoisttriforce.com/wood-to-steel-connections-making-sure-its-done-
structures?item=01S1848 right/

3. Beams

including:
https://civilmint.com/cantilever-beam/
 A cantilevered beam – a portion of a
beam that extends beyond its support.
 Cantilevers can help counter the load on

a beam on the opposite side of the
support.
Cantilevered
Beam
https://civilmint.com/cantilever-beam/
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3. Beams- Types of Cantilevers
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEAM-Cantilever-Activity-Powerpoint-3629189

3. Beams
Beams can be composed of several types of materials and shapes including:
 Built-up Lumber beam,
 Timber (solid lumber) or log beam,
 Box-beam,
 Engineered Wood beam
(Structural Composite Lumber)-SCL
 Glue-laminated beam,
 Flitch beam,
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/6a9a2b62-ffd8-4054-92c9-2b93e5ee98f8/Beam-Types
 Steel Beam.
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3. Beams
Types of Beams include:
 Built-up Lumber beam – three to five

ply’s of lumber are glued and/ or
screwed together to create a bigger
https://www.renovation-headquarters.com/lumber-2.html
stronger beam.
https://www.countryplans.com/builtupbeam.html

3. Beams
 Built-up Lumber beam – the

location of the joints in a built-up
wood beam are very specific, and
are described in the Ontario
Building Code, sentence 9.23.8.3.
https://weare49north.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/49North-Building-Solutions-Built-Up-Wood-Beams-Information-Sheet.pdf
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3. Beams
 Timber (solid lumber) or log

beam – a large single piece of
rectangular or cylindrical (log)
beam, used in its full dimension.
Kicking Horse Chalet, Lapointe Architects

3. Beams
 Box beam – a beam composed of

solid wood upper and lower chords
sandwiched between several layers https://constructionmentor.net/wood-
of plywood or thin wood, beams/#jp-carousel-2725
 Box-beams can span large distance

compared to their dead weight,
 Box-beams were popular in the

1960s-1970’s, and are used today
mostly in decorated locations.
https://www.wooduniversity.org/glossary
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3. Beams
 Engineered Wood beam (Structural Composite

Lumber (SCL)– various forms of wood veneer,
chips and strands are bonded together with
Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)
moisture resistant adhesives to create a larger https://cwc.ca/how-to-build-with-wood/wood-
products/structural-composite/laminate-
stronger structural member. veneer-lumber/
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL)

https://www.barrenjoeytimber.com.au/laminated- https://cwc.ca/how-to-build-with-wood/wood-
veneer-lumber products/structural-composite/parallel-strand-lumber/

3. Beams
 Engineered Wood beam (Structural Composite

Lumber (SCL)–
Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)
 They have many advantages over sawn https://cwc.ca/how-to-build-with-wood/wood-
conventional lumber including higher products/structural-composite/laminate-
veneer-lumber/
strengths, dimensional stability, and resistant
to moisture.
Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL)

https://cwc.ca/how-to-build-with-wood/wood-
products/structural-composite/parallel-strand-lumber/
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Laminated Strand Lumber Factory Tour
Wood KERTO® laminated veneer lumber (LVL) – Production Process
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3. Beams
 Glue-laminated beam (Glulam) – several pieces of

engineered lumber are glued, screwed or bolted
together to create a larger stronger structural
member. https://constructionmentor.net/wood-
beams/#jp-carousel-2725
http://howtobuildahouseblog.com/wp- http://www.uslumber.com/MainSite/Store1/StoreCategoryProductList/Product
content/uploads/2012/08/Laminated-Wood- List/1654
Beam.jpg

3. Beams
 Flitch beam – steel plates are

bolted between pieces of wood,
which combined are stronger
than a wood beam only, but
lighter than a steel beam.
 This type of beams can be

used where timber or lumber
alone can not support the
span. https://soa.utexas.edu/headlines/flitch-beam
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3. Beams
https://www.pinterest.se/pin/405816616425421836/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Carpentry/comments/ntqnq1/uneven_floors_4_years_aft
er_flitch_beam_installed/

3. Beams
 Steel Beam – a beam composed

of steel and rolled or welded into
shape.
 For residential construction, steel

beams are most often used in
basements
http://studio-tm.com/constructionblog/?cat=224
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4. Trusses
The majority of wood trusses are

light roof trusses of nominal 2-inch
(38-mm) lumber joined by toothed
plates.
For larger buildings, however, heavy

timber trusses may be used. Their https://www.zeelandlumber.com/most-common-types-of-roof-trusses/
joints are made with steel bolts or
pins and welded steel plate
connectors, split-ring connectors, or
other proprietary connection
hardware.

4. Trusses
https://www.timber-technologies.com/wood-products/titan-truss/
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4. Trusses
Sawn, laminated, and structural

composite timbers may be used,
sometimes in combination with steel
members.
Many shapes of truss are possible,

and spans of more than 100 feet
(30 m) are easily achieved.
https://www.redbuilt.com/products/open-web-trusses/

4. Trusses
https://www.timber-technologies.com/wood-products/titan-truss/
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4. Trusses
Steel Rods
Extracted from Course Textbook- Fundamental of Building Construction
Center Splice

4. Trusses
Wood Trusses are usually engineered by the truss manufacturer’s engineer,

meeting all OBC structural loading requirements.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/66/70/c2/6670c2ae512ada2bf26a201f6eccd7e7.gif
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4. Trusses
Roof trusses come in many

shapes and there is no limit
to the shape of a roof truss,
other than its cost, and the
ability to ship it to a site.
There are several basic
common shapes of trusses
used by the design and
construction industry,
illustrated on the right.
https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/roof_trusses.htm

4. Trusses
On the right are several

other roof truss types,
confirming that just about
any shape is possible…
https://www.bestwaytoframe.com/sites/default/files/uploads/attachmen
ts/node/15622/truss_config_flyer.pdf
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4. Trusses
Parallel chord trusses are

composed of an upper and
lower chord member that
are parallel to each
other.
This type of truss can be
used for cathedral
ceilings, flat roofs and
floors.
The web members are
sometimes made of metal. https://www.bestwaytoframe.com/sites/default/files/uploads/attachmen
ts/node/15622/truss_config_flyer.pdf

4. Trusses (Span to Depth Ratio)
Factors affecting span to depth

ratio of wood trusses:
1- Live loads
2- Dead loads
3- Types of material and size of
the compressive and tensile
members
4- Type of connections
5- Environmental loads
https://www.archdaily.com/804403/university-of-british-columbia-
engineering-student-centre-urban-arts-architecture
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For wood trusses consisting of dimensional lumbers:

The most economical flat truss for a roof is provided when the
depth of the truss is 7% of its span.. This number can decrease
up to 5% in composite trusses.
How long a load

is expected to act
on a structure
Wood Roof Truss Span Tables - Cascade Manufacturing ...

http://www.cascade-mfg-co.com ›
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Production of wooden truss structure

5. Lintels
http://www.kbcabinetmaking.com.au/unit6_installation_re
quirements/section2_construction_features/lesson2_exte
rnal_walls.htm#nogo
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5. Lintels
A lintel is a structural element that supports a

vertical load over a window, a door or other
opening.
 A lintel is often the smallest of the three types of

horizontal structural elements
 A wood lintel is typically (but not always) composed of

one to two structural elements, whereas a wood beam is
typically composed of 3 to 5 ply’s of wood lumber.
 A lintel can also be composed of a stone or brick arch, or

a steel angle,
 A wood lintel is typically supported by columns, which

are typically composed of two or three wood studs, while https://futurebuild.co.nz/products/hy90/
masonry and steel lintels are supported by adjoining
masonry.
LVL Lintel

5. Lintels
Types of Lintels include:
 Timber Lintel,
 Lumber Lintel,
 Steel Lintel,
 Masonry Lintel.
https://definecivil.com/lintel-beam/
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5. Lintels
 Timber Lintel – rarely used today and

most often found in older masonry
buildings,
 Timber lintels are also used in new

timber buildings, but may be hard to
distinguish from a timber beam…
https://dailycivil.com/what-is-lintel-types-of-lintels-and-uses-in-building/

5. Lintels
 Lumber Lintel – a lumber lintel for a

wood framed building is typically
constructed of 2 plies of lumber placed
on its edge. (3 or more plies of lumber
are considered a beam in the OBC).
http://www.kbcabinetmaking.com.au/unit6_installation_re
quirements/section2_construction_features/lesson2_exte
rnal_walls.htm#nogo
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5. Lintels
 Steel Lintel – a primed or

galvanized ‘L’ shaped flat, curved
or angle steel used to support
the weight of masonry over a
window or door opening.
https://www.stressline.net/steel-lintel-types-an-overview/

5. Lintels
 Masonry Lintels/ arches – ‘real’ loadbearing

masonry arches are rarely used today
except in historic buildings. Instead steel
lintels are used to transfer loads to
adjoining walls.
 Understanding the types of masonry arches

is important to be able to understand
historic architectural styles…
http://books-for-brickwork.blogspot.com/2011/07/pitmans-
volume-14-segmental-arch.html
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Lateral Force Resistance and Shear Walls
A shear wall is a wall that counteracts the

effects of lateral loads such as wind and
earthquakes.
The lateral force resisting system of the

building must resist sliding, overturning, and
wracking.
In wood frame building, you must add the

required building component to ensure the
building can resist lateral forces..
Extracted from Course Text Book– Fundamental of Building Construction- P182
“In light wood frame building, To resist

overturning, hold-downs are installed to
prevent the structure from lifting off the
foundation.”
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“A wall without sheathing or bracing

has no useful resistance to
wracking. Because the nailed
connections between studs and
plates are flexible, the wall can
easily deform. In areas of high wind
force or earthquake risk, plywood or
OSB sheathing panels tightly nailed
to the framing create shear walls
and provide the necessary rigidity.”
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https://www.bmp-group.com/products/steel-framing-accessories/wind-brace
Diagonal
Steel Bracing
https://mitek.ca/products/hardy-frame/ Extracted from Course Text Book– Fundamental of Building Construction- P186
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6. Sizing lumber framing members

A. OBC Span Tables:
For small buildings designed under Part 9 of the OBC (Ontario Building Code), the
minimum sizes of joists, beams and lintels are described in SubsectionPad
9.23.8.
Beams to Support Floors, 9.23.9. Floor Joists and Article 9.23.112.3. Lintel
footingspans
and Sizes.
The OBC also includes dozens of span tables for various structural members at the
end of Part 9, titled Table A-1 to Table A-37.
You will need to familiarized themselves with these tables and must be able to
answers questions using the span tables.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
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A. Additional OBC information:
In order to properly lumber framing members for a wood–framed building

under Part 9 of the OBC, you will need to ensure the building does not
exceed the following limitations:
Section 9.23. Wood Frame Construction

9.23.1. Application
9.23.1.1. Limitations
(1) This Section applies where wall, floor and roof planes are generally comprised of
lumber frames of small repetitive structural members, or engineered components, and
where,
(a) roof and wall planes are clad, sheathed or braced on at least one side,
(b) the small repetitive structural members are spaced not more than 610 mm o.c.,
(c) the walls do not serve as foundations,
(d) the specified live load on supported subfloors and floor framing does not exceed 2.4
kPa, and
(e) the span of any structural member does not exceed 12.20 m.
(2) Where the conditions in Sentence (1) are exceeded for wood construction, the design of
the framing and fastening shall conform to Subsection 4.3.1.
OBC 2012, 9.23.1.1. sourced at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332

Housing and Small Building- Illustrated Guide (Orderline.com)
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A. Additional OBC information
Additionally, Part 9 of the OBC states that the Span Tables at the end of
Part 9 can only be used for residential spaces, or the specified live loads do
not exceed the live loads for residential spaces:
9.23.4. Maximum Spans

9.23.4.1. Application
(1) Spans provided in this Subsection for joists, beams and lintels supporting floors shall apply
only where,
(a) the floors serve residential areas as described in Table 4.1.5.3., or
(b) the uniformly distributed live load on the floors does not exceed that specified for residential
areas as described in Table 4.1.5.3.
(2) Spans for joists, beams and lintels supporting floors shall be determined according to
Subsection 4.1.3. where the supported floors,
(a) serve other than residential areas, or
(b) support a uniform live load in excess of that specified for residential areas.

A. Additional OBC information
Finally, Article 9.23.4.2. states that spans for joists, rafters and beams can
be determined from specific Span Tables at the end of Part 9:
9.23.4.2. Spans for Joists, Rafters and Beams

(1) Except as required in Sentence (2) and Article 9.23.13.10., the spans for wood joists
and rafters shall conform to the spans shown in Tables A-1 to A-7 for the uniform live loads shown in
the Tables.
(2) Spans for floor joists that are not selected from Tables A-1 and A-2 and that are
required to be designed for the same loading conditions, shall not exceed the design requirements for
uniform loading and vibration criteria.
(3) Spans for built-up wood and glued-laminated timber floor beams shall conform to the
spans in Tables A-8 to A-11.
(4) Spans for roof ridge beams shall conform to the spans in Table A-12 for the uniform
snow load shown.
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B. Sizing Floor Joists
Clear Joist Span

The distance from the sill plate to the face of beam (The length of the joists
without any direct support).
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Clear Joist Span

B. Sizing Floor Joists:
In order to better
understand these
sample exercises,
please refer to Table
A1 in Part 9 of the
Ontario Building
Code.
Note the following:

 Types of wood
 Wood Grade,
 Joist size,
 Strapping/ bridging
Table A-1, OBC 2012,. sourced at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
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B. Sizing Floor Joists –

Sample Question 1:
What is the maximum

span for a Spruce-
Pine-Fir (SPF) floor
joist, No. 1 grade,
with strapping,
spaced at 16” o/c
(406 mm) and that is
2x10 (38x235)?
Answer next page…


Sample Question 1:
What is the
maximum span for:
• Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF)
floor joist
• No. 1 grade,
• with strapping,
• spaced at 16” o/c (406 mm),
• that is 2x10 (38x235)?
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Sample Question 1:
What is the
maximum span for:
• Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF)
floor joist
• No. 1 grade,
• with strapping,
• that is 2x10 (38x235)?
Maximum span = 3.96 m


Sample Question 2:
What is the maximum

span for a Larch floor
joist, Select Structural
grade, with strapping
and bridging,
spaced at 24” o/c
(610 mm) and that is
2x12 (38x286)?
Answer next page…
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Sample Question 2:
What is the maximum

span for:
• Larch floor joist
• Select Structural grade,
• with strapping and bridging,
• that is 2x12 (38x286)?
Maximum span = 4.92 m


Sample Question 3:
What is the minimum joist

size for a SPF floor joist,
No.1 and No. 2 grade,
with bridging, spaced at
12” o/c (305 mm) and
that is spanning 4.3 m?
Answer next page…
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Sample Question 3:
What is the minimum

floor joist size:
• SPF floor joist

• No.1 and No. 2 grade,
• with bridging,
• Spans 4.3 m?
Minimum floor joist

size = 38x235 (2x10)


Sample Question 4:
What is the maximum joist

spacing for a Fir floor joist,
No. 3 grade, with
strapping, 38x184 (2x8)
floor joist, that is spanning
3.5 m?
Answer next page…
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Sample Question 4:
What is the maximum

joist spacing for a:
• Fir floor joist

• No. 3 grade,
• with strapping,
• 2x8 (38x184) joists,
• Spanning 3.5 m?
Minimum joist
spacing =
12” (305 mm)

C. Sizing Built-up Wood

Beams
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Supported Joist Length (SJL)- Supported Length
Half the sum of the joists span on both sides of a beam including the width
of the beam
(The length of the joists supported by the beam. The remaining length of
the joists will be supported by the foundation walls.)
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C. Sizing Built-up Wood Beams:
In order to better understand

these sample exercises, please
refer to Table A-8, A-9 & A-10 in
Part 9 of the OBC Code for built-
up wood beams supporting not
more than one, two or three
floors.
Note the following:

 Types of wood
 Wood Grade,
 Supported Length,
 Size of B-U Beam
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Sample Question 5:
What is the maximum span for a

built-up wood beam supporting
one floor, made with select
structural grade Hem-Fir grade
wood, with a floor joist supported
length of 4.2 m, for a 4-38x235
built-up beam?
Answer next page…

C. Sizing Built-up Wood

Beams:
Sample Question 5:
What is the maximum span

for a Hem-Fir B-U wd beam
supporting one floor…
• Hem-Fir species
• Select Structural grade,
• Floor joist supported length of 4.2 m,
• 4-38x235 built-up beam,
Maximum Span =
3.87 m
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Sample Question 6:
What is the minimum number

of plies of a built-up wood
beam made of 2x12s (38x286),
supporting one floor, if the
species of wood is SPF, No. 1
and No. 2 grade, with a floor
joist supported length of 5.4 m,
and a span of 3.4m?
Answer next page…

Sample Question 6:
What is the minimum number

of plies of a built-up wood
beam made of 2x12s
supporting one floor…
• SPF species
• No. 1 and No. 2 grade,
• Floor joist supported length of 5.4 m,
• Span of 3.4 m,
Minimum 4 plies of
38x286 (4-2x12)
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D. Sizing Wood Lintels

C. Sizing Wood Lintels:
In order to better
understand these sample
exercises, please refer to
Table A-13, A-14 & A-15 in
Part 9 of the Ontario
Building Code.
Note the following:

 Lintel Supporting,
 Lintel Size,
 Exterior Wall / Interior Wall,
 Specified Snow Load.
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Sample Question 7:
What is the maximum span

of a SPF built-up wood
lintel supporting a roof,
ceiling and 1 storey, made
of 2-2x12 (38x286), located
in an exterior wall and
supporting a snow load of
2.5 kPa?
Answer next
page…

Sample Question 7:
What is the maximum

span of a SPF built-up
wood lintel…
• supporting a roof, ceiling and 1

storey
• made of 2-2x12 (2-38x286),
• located in an exterior wall.
• supporting a snow load of 2.5 kPa.
Maximum Span = Table A-15, OBC 2012,. sourced at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332

1.96 m
50
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E. Sizing Steel Beams

Supporting Floors in
Dwelling Units


Dwelling Units:
In order to better
understand the following
sample exercises, please
refer to Table 9.23.4.3. in
Part 9 of the Ontario
Building Code.
Note the following:

Table 9.23.4.3., OBC 2012,. sourced at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
 Beam Description,
 No. of Storeys supported,
 Supported Joist length.
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Dwelling Units:
Sample Question 8:
What is the minimum size

of a steel beam
supporting two storeys of
a dwelling unit, if the
supported joist length is
4.2 m, and the span
between supports of the
Table 9.23.4.3., OBC 2012,. sourced at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
beam is 6.4 m?
Answer next page…


Dwelling Units:
Sample Question 8:
What is the minimum size

of a steel beam
supporting two storeys of
a dwelling unit, if…
• the supported joist length is
4.2 m Table 9.23.4.3., OBC 2012,. sourced at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
• span between supports of
the beam is 6.4 m
W250x33
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Thank you
Examples- Innovation in wood buildings
53
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Innovation in wood buildings

Clamart Sport Centre- France
Clamart Sports Center is made

out of sustainable wood, tucked
under a giant green roof.
Designed by Gaetan Le Penhuel

Architecture, the building houses
four schools and a huge curved
wooden shell supported by
structurally efficient laminated
wooden beams.
The shape of the building follows

the curves of the landscape and
the Surface area is130 m x 40 m =
approx. 5,200 m²
https://archello.com/story/60132/attachments/photos-videos/1

 The technical solution

linked the façade and
roof together in a
continuous structure.
 unusual dimensions and

wide opening in the
roof for the track and
field area
 very few pieces of

wood used were
identical.
 Complex geometry and

double curved in
certain area of the roof
https://www.cadwork.com/cwen/Projects/Spotscenter_Clamart
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 Laminated Wood Lumber

(LVL) used in this building
 All the design process was

done in 3D, which was
necessary due to the complex
shape of the building (taking
3,000 hours of design work
and producing the 4,000
construction drawings)
 The innovative use of Kerto®

LVL enabled the widest
possible freedom of curvature
to support the architectural
vision of the complex. https://www.cadwork.com/cwen/Projects/Spotscenter_Clamart

 This material choice enabled

greater architectural liberty,
allowing wide spans, and
optimising the wooden
structure itself.
 The form of the beams in turn

enabled optimising the
material as much as possible
and also limited waste due
to precise cutting.
 The stability of the building

was achieved by a grillage
frame structure made of LVL
beams.
55
10/27/2021

 The structure transfers the

loads from roofing, while
delivering the desired
architectural form.
 Certain areas in the structure

were reinforced in order to
optimize the cross sections
and reduce the material cost
of the diagonals.
 The hollow cavity of the

beams was used to hide most
of the steel plates and
embedded metal fasteners
such as brackets, bolts and
dowels.

Clamart Sports Center is

made out of sustainable
wood, tucked under a
giant green roof.
Designed by Gaetan Le
Penhuel Architecture, the
building houses four
schools under a lush field
and a huge curved
wooden shell supported
by structurally
efficient laminated
wooden beams.
56
10/27/2021


giant green roof.
and a huge curved
by structurally
efficient laminated
wooden beams.


giant green roof.
and a huge curved
by structurally
efficient laminated
wooden beams.
57
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‫‪Indu‬ﺳﻴﺴﺘﻢ ﺳﺎﺧﺘﻤﺎﻧﯽ‬
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‫‪61‬‬
‫‪10/27/2021‬‬
‫ﻋﻨﺎﺻﺮ ﻭ ﺳﻴﺴﺘﻢ ﻫﺎی ﻣﻬﺎﺭ ﺑﻨﺪی‬
‫‪62‬‬
‫‪10/27/2021‬‬
‫ﻋﻨﺎﺻﺮ ﻭ ﺳﻴﺴﺘﻢ ﻫﺎی ﻣﻬﺎﺭ ﺑﻨﺪی‬
‫‪Thank you‬‬
‫‪63‬‬

Unit 3 - Sizing Beams, Joist and Lintels-Exam

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10/27/2021

Unit 3 & 4:Wood Buildings

Revised September 2021

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

 Joists are a series of closely spaced

 Beams are large widely-spaced structural

 Lintels are small structural elements that

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

 Lintels are small structural elements that

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

A joist is a structural element that supports a

 A joist is smaller than the beam that

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

There are several types of structural joists:

 A collar tie – provides intermediate support between rafters and improves

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

This image describes

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Joists can be composed of

 Open Wood Web Joist

 Open Metal Web Joist

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Types of Joists include:

 Lumber joist – lumber is cut from

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Types of Joists include (cont.):

 Engineered Lumber joists –

 the wood used to make

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Types of Joists include (cont.):

 Open Wood Web Joists – are

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Types of Joists include

 Open Metal Web Joist –

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Types of Joists include

 Steel joists – are made

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Strapping, Bridging and

Joist should be restrained

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Strapping is the process of

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

A solid member placed

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

 A beam is almost always larger than the

 A beam can be supported by columns or

 A beam is typically (but not always)

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

There are several types of

Joists, Beams, Lintels & Trusses

There are several types of beam

 A dropped beam – the joists sit on