According to Florida Building Code, what is the maximum allowable span for a 2×10 Southern Pine joist (Grade #2) at 16" o.c. for a residential floor with 40 psf live load?
Correct Answer
A) 16 feet 2 inches
Based on span tables in the Florida Building Code for Southern Pine #2 grade lumber, a 2×10 joist at 16" on center can span approximately 16 feet 2 inches for residential floor loading conditions.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Florida Building Code span tables for Southern Pine #2 grade lumber specify maximum allowable spans based on joist size, spacing, and loading conditions. For a 2×10 Southern Pine #2 joist at 16" on center with a 40 psf live load (standard residential floor loading), the maximum span is 16 feet 2 inches. This value accounts for deflection limits (L/360 for live load) and bending stress requirements. The span tables are based on engineered calculations that ensure structural safety and serviceability.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option C: 14 feet 6 inches
14 feet 6 inches is too conservative and represents a span that would be appropriate for either a smaller joist size (like 2×8) or higher loading conditions.
Option D: 17 feet 8 inches
19 feet 1 inch is significantly over the safe span limit and would cause dangerous deflection and stress levels that violate building code requirements.
Memory Technique
Use the rule '10 and 16': 2×10 joists at 16" spacing span approximately 16 feet for standard residential loading
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code Chapter 5 - Wood Construction, Table R502.3.1(1) - Floor Joist Spans for Common Lumber Species
More Project Mgmt Questions
What is the minimum R-value required for wall insulation in Florida Climate Zone 2?
A subcontractor brings a new chemical product to your jobsite. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what information must be immediately available to workers?
A construction site has a trench that is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the maximum allowable slope ratio for the trench walls without protective systems?
What is the maximum recommended spacing between drywall screws when attaching to wood studs?
Your crew discovers suspected asbestos-containing materials during a renovation project. What is the first action you should take?
A scaffold platform is 12 feet long and 5 feet wide. If the maximum load capacity is 25 pounds per square foot, what is the total weight capacity of this platform?
Which CSI MasterFormat Division would contain specifications for fire-stopping and firesafing materials?
In tilt-up concrete construction, what is the primary advantage of this method over conventional cast-in-place construction?
Which OSHA standard specifically addresses construction industry safety and health regulations?
A structural drawing shows a beam labeled 'W12x26'. What does the '26' represent?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass