Under Tennessee building codes, what is the maximum allowable deflection for a residential floor joist with a 16-foot span under live load?
Correct Answer
C) L/360 (0.53 inches)
Tennessee follows IRC requirements where residential floor joists must not deflect more than L/360 under live load. For 16 feet: (16×12)/360 = 0.53 inches.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Tennessee adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) which specifies that residential floor joists must not deflect more than L/360 under live load conditions. For a 16-foot span, this calculates to (16 × 12 inches)/360 = 192/360 = 0.53 inches maximum allowable deflection. This stricter standard ensures adequate stiffness and prevents excessive floor bounce or vibration that could cause discomfort or damage to finishes.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: L/300 (0.64 inches)
L/300 allows too much deflection at 0.64 inches for residential floors. This ratio is sometimes used for commercial applications or dead load calculations, but exceeds Tennessee's live load requirements for residential floor joists, potentially causing noticeable floor bounce and occupant discomfort.
Option B: L/240 (0.8 inches)
L/240 permits 0.8 inches of deflection, which is excessive for residential floor systems under Tennessee codes. This ratio might apply to certain roof members or commercial floors, but residential floors require the stricter L/360 limit to maintain structural performance and occupant comfort.
Option D: L/480 (0.4 inches)
L/480 at 0.4 inches is overly conservative and not the standard requirement. While this would provide excellent stiffness, Tennessee codes specify L/360 as the maximum allowable deflection. Using L/480 would result in unnecessary over-design and increased construction costs without code justification.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Residential 360' - residential floors need L/360 deflection limit. Think '360 degrees in a circle, residential floors need to be well-rounded (stiff)'.
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