View Single Post
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 07-11-2008, 04:49 AM
Richard Franklin Richard Franklin is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Re: Can you use I-Joists in an Attic as Rafters?
I find this interesting. Having worked for Trus-Joist Corporation (inventer of the I-Joist) in its wee days back int he late 1960's and early 70's I find this interesting. After I developed JMD and could no longer design, my job with TJ was to go around and help Architects and Engineers design floor and roof systems. Some of the details used today are those that I developed back in those days.

1st. the Cutting of the top and bottom chords on the truss is a no no.
In this case there is no truss. It needs to be replaced by nesting another TJI next it. Connecting the two together with web stiffeners. This needs to be engineered by the Engineer of Record and the Manufacturer. This is a construction defect.

2nd. You need to check for the bearing support. There has to be full bearing support on the bottom of the wall and the top. Also a metal connector used on the bottom of the wall and a connector and strap used on the top. To get a full bearing support we would design and used a cant strip plate cut to the pitch of the roof which was placed on the top plate.

3rd. Shear panels at both the top and bottom bearing.

4th. Metal 'X' bridging continues through the span.

5th. Care has to be used in the number of holes cut into the joist. NO cutting into the chords. Depending on the span length, you can larger holes as you get closer to the middle of the joist. Check the table. And only one hole. I once had one where the HVAC people could not get the flex duct to work. 18 inch in a 14 inch TJI, that they cut ovals into the joist.

6th. TJI's can be used as any framing material. Just make sure you follow the details from APA or the manufacturer. And make sure the builder follows them as well. The 3 "B's". "Bearing, Bridging and Brackets (connectors)."
Reply With Quote