According to Georgia building codes, what is the maximum allowable span for 2x10 floor joists spaced 16 inches on center using Southern Pine lumber?
Correct Answer
C) 16 feet 2 inches
Georgia building codes allow 2x10 Southern Pine floor joists at 16" o.c. to span up to 16 feet 2 inches.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Georgia building codes, based on the IRC span tables, allow 2x10 Southern Pine floor joists spaced 16 inches on center to span up to 16 feet 2 inches. This value comes from the IRC floor joist span tables for Southern Pine lumber, which is the dominant structural lumber species in Georgia.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 14 feet 6 inches
14 feet 6 inches is below the maximum allowable span for 2x10 Southern Pine at 16" o.c. This value would be closer to the span for a smaller member (such as a 2x8) or a wider spacing (such as 24" o.c.), not for 2x10 at 16" o.c.
Option B: 19 feet 6 inches
19 feet 6 inches exceeds what a 2x10 Southern Pine joist at 16" o.c. can safely span. This value might apply to a larger member (such as a 2x12) or a higher-grade lumber. Using this span would be unsafe and non-compliant.
Option D: 18 feet 0 inches
18 feet 0 inches also exceeds the allowable span for 2x10 Southern Pine at 16" o.c. Like option B, this would require a larger member or higher-grade lumber to be structurally safe.
Memory Technique
For 2x10 Southern Pine at 16" o.c., remember '16-2 for 16" o.c.' — the spacing (16 inches) pairs with '16 feet 2 inches' as the max span. The joist size number (10) and the spacing number (16) help form the span: 16'-2". This pairing makes it easier to recall.
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