Under the Virginia USBC, what is the maximum allowable deflection for a floor joist under live load?
Correct Answer
B) L/360
The Virginia USBC limits floor joist deflection under live load to L/360, where L is the span length, to ensure adequate structural performance and occupant comfort.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Virginia USBC sets the maximum floor joist deflection under live load at L/360, where L is the span length. This limit ensures structural performance (no cracking of brittle finishes like tile or plaster) and occupant comfort (no perceptible bounciness).
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: L/240
L/240 is a less restrictive deflection limit used for roof members or non-floor applications. Applying L/240 to floor joists under live load would allow excessive deflection that could crack floor finishes and feel springy underfoot.
Option C: L/300
L/300 falls between L/240 and L/360 but is not the standard for floor joist live load deflection under USBC. This value is sometimes seen in specific finish applications but is not the controlling limit for floor joists.
Option D: L/480
L/480 is a more restrictive limit (less deflection allowed) used for floors supporting sensitive finishes like tile or stone. While more restrictive than required, it is not the standard live load limit for general floor joists.
Memory Technique
Floor = 360 degrees in a circle. 'You walk on the floor, and floors go 360°.' For roofs, use L/240 (fewer concerns about cracking). For tile/stone floors, use L/480 (stricter). The middle ground — L/360 — is the standard floor joist live load limit.
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