According to SC building codes, what is the maximum allowable deflection for a residential floor joist with a 16-foot span under live load?
Correct Answer
A) L/360 (0.53 inches)
SC building codes limit residential floor joist deflection to L/360 under live load. For 16 feet: (16×12)/360 = 0.53 inches.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
South Carolina building codes specify L/360 as the maximum allowable deflection for residential floor joists under live load conditions. This is a standard requirement to ensure adequate stiffness and prevent excessive sagging that could cause cracking in finishes or structural issues. For a 16-foot span, the calculation is (16 × 12 inches)/360 = 192/360 = 0.53 inches maximum deflection.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: L/240 (0.8 inches)
L/240 (0.8 inches) is too lenient for residential floor joists under live load. This deflection limit is typically used for other structural elements or different load conditions, but SC codes require the more restrictive L/360 limit for floor joists to ensure occupant comfort and prevent damage to finishes.
Option C: L/300 (0.64 inches)
L/300 (0.64 inches) is not the standard specified in SC building codes for residential floor joists. While this would be more restrictive than some alternatives, it's not the actual code requirement. SC codes specifically mandate L/360 for live load deflection of residential floor joists.
Option D: L/480 (0.4 inches)
L/480 (0.4 inches) is overly restrictive and not required by SC building codes for residential floor joists under live load. This extremely tight deflection limit would unnecessarily increase construction costs and material requirements without providing proportional benefits for typical residential applications.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Live at 360' - residential floor joists under LIVE load deflect at L/360. Think of a full circle (360 degrees) representing the complete live load scenario for floors.
More sc-supplement Questions
What is the maximum contract value a Tier 1 residential contractor can undertake in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, a contractor discovers a material defect in their work 6 months after project completion. The owner demands immediate correction. What is the contractor's legal obligation?
A contractor has 15 employees and annual payroll of $780,000. The workers compensation rate is $4.25 per $100 of payroll. What is the annual premium?
A subcontractor completes $25,000 of electrical work but is not paid by the general contractor. The general contractor was paid by the owner. What is the subcontractor's lien priority against the property?
A contractor receives a stop work order from the building official. Work continues for 3 additional days before stopping. What penalty applies per South Carolina building codes?
Under South Carolina workers compensation law, which of the following employees would be exempt from coverage requirements?
Under South Carolina contractor licensing law, how many hours of continuing education are required annually for license renewal?
A Class B contractor wants to bid on a $750,000 commercial project. What must the contractor do to be eligible?
A contractor's license expires on June 30th. They submit renewal application and fees on July 15th. What additional penalty must they pay?
A contractor holds a Class C license allowing projects up to $200,000. Due to change orders, a project increases from $185,000 to $235,000. What action is required?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass