Framing & StructuralQuestion 457 of 700
When notching or boring a solid-sawn floor joist for a pipe, which limitation applies to protect the joist's strength?
a.Notches may be any depth as long as they are on the top edge
b.Notches at the ends may not exceed one-fourth of the joist depth, and notches are not permitted in the middle third of the span
c.Bored holes may be located anywhere and up to half the joist depth
d.A hole may be drilled within 1 inch of the joist edge
Explanation
To keep bending strength, end notches are limited to one-fourth the joist depth and no notches are allowed in the middle third where bending stress peaks; bored holes are limited to one-third the depth and kept back from edges. Unlimited notch depth, half-depth holes anywhere, or drilling within an inch of the edge all weaken the joist beyond code limits.
Law Reference: 2025 CA Residential Code §R502.8.1Practice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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