According to Tennessee building codes, what is the maximum allowable deflection for floor joists under live load?
Correct Answer
C) L/360
Tennessee building codes specify L/360 as the maximum allowable deflection for floor joists under live load.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Tennessee's building code (which adopts the IBC/IRC framework) specifies L/360 as the maximum allowable deflection for floor joists under live load. This limit controls perceptible bounce and protects finish materials such as tile and hardwood from cracking. L represents the span length in inches; dividing by 360 yields the maximum midspan deflection.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: L/240
L/240 is the deflection limit typically applied to roof rafters supporting plaster ceilings or to combined load (dead + live) conditions for some ceiling systems — not the live-load-only limit for floor joists. Using L/240 would allow more deflection than the code permits for floors, resulting in a springier, less serviceable floor.
Option B: L/300
L/300 appears in some references for roof members that do not support a plaster ceiling. It is not the standard live-load deflection limit for floor joists and is not a primary IBC/IRC floor joist criterion.
Option D: L/180
L/180 is an even more permissive limit used for roof members (not supporting a ceiling) under wind or snow load. Applying L/180 to a floor system would be dangerously inadequate and would result in excessive, noticeable deflection.
Memory Technique
Associate '360 degrees = a full circle = complete control.' Floors must be the most controlled (tightest limit = largest denominator = smallest deflection). The higher the denominator, the stiffer the requirement.
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