Framing & StructuralQuestion 339 of 700
Compared with solid-sawn joists, why are field notches and unauthorized holes especially damaging to engineered wood products such as I-joists and LVL?
a.They are made of steel
b.They are unaffected by cuts
c.Their strength depends on thin engineered flanges/laminations, so unauthorized cuts remove critical load-carrying material
d.They gain strength when cut
Explanation
Engineered products concentrate their strength in thin, carefully placed flanges and laminations, so an unauthorized notch or hole removes exactly the material carrying the load and can cause sudden failure, unlike solid lumber that has some reserve. They are not steel, are certainly affected by cuts, and never gain strength from cutting.
Law Reference: 2025 CA Residential Code §R502.8Practice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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