During construction of a residential deck in Michigan, the building inspector notes that the ledger board attachment may not meet code. What is the primary structural concern with improper ledger board attachment?
Correct Answer
B) Poor connection for vertical load transfer
The primary concern with ledger board attachment is ensuring proper vertical load transfer from the deck joists to the house structure. Improper attachment can lead to deck collapse.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The ledger board is the primary connection point between the deck's joist system and the house structure. Its main structural role is to transfer vertical loads (the weight of the deck, occupants, and furniture) into the house band joist or rim board. Improper fastening — using nails instead of bolts, insufficient lag screws, or attaching into sheathing rather than structural framing — compromises this vertical load path and can cause catastrophic deck collapse.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Thermal expansion issues
Thermal expansion is a concern for long horizontal members and fastener corrosion over time, but it is not the primary structural concern inspectors focus on with ledger board attachment. It does not explain sudden deck failure.
Option C: Inadequate drainage around the connection
Drainage around the ledger connection is a weatherproofing and rot-prevention concern, not a primary structural load concern. While important for long-term durability, inadequate drainage does not directly cause the kind of immediate structural failure associated with improper ledger attachment.
Option D: Insufficient lateral load resistance
Lateral load resistance (resistance to horizontal forces like wind or crowd sway) is an important deck consideration handled by diagonal bracing and connections at posts, not primarily by the ledger board. The ledger's primary function is vertical load transfer.
Memory Technique
Ledger = Vertical Load: think of the ledger as a 'shelf bracket' attached to the house wall — its job is to hold the weight of everything above it vertically.
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A residential foundation wall in Michigan is 8 feet high with 2 feet above grade. The backfill exerts lateral pressure of 30 psf per foot of depth. What is the maximum lateral pressure at the bottom of the foundation wall?