Book Description

Expedient techniques for reinforcing wood floor joist systems were evaluated by building 15 test specimens and subjecting them to static tests in a 200-kip loader. Each specimen consisted of three 2- by 10-inch by 16-foot floor joists (16 inches on center). Two sheets of 4- by 8-foot by 3/4-inch plywood and two sheets of 4- by 8-foot by 1/4-inch Masonite were centered and nailed to the joists. A 2- by 10-inch by 4-foot header board was nailed to each end of the floor specimen. Unreinforced and reinforced floor specimens were tested. The expedient techniques of joist reinforcement evaluated were: (1) 1-1/2-inch by 16-foot by 1/8-inch steel strap nailed to the bottom of the joists, (2) 4- by 8-foot by 1/4-inch plywood nailed to the bottom of the joists, (3) U-shaped hanger straps bolted around the joists, (4) combination of the hanger straps and 1-1/2-inch by 16-foot by 1/8-inch steel strap, and (5) 22-gage galvanized steel strap nailed to the bottom of the joists.