When floor joists are supported by masonry walls, the joists shall have a minimum bearing distance on each end of ____ inches

When floor joists are supported by masonry walls, the joists shall have a minimum bearing distance on each end of ____ inches

• A. 3
• B. 3.5
• C. 1.5
• D. 2

Answer: (A)

When floor joists rest on masonry, the bearing length must be enough to safely transfer the joist load into the wall without crushing the mortar joints or damaging the joist end. Masonry is rigid and can fail under a concentrated load, so the code requires a longer bearing surface: three inches on each end. This provides adequate area for the joist to sit and helps protect both the joist end and the wall. If the joists bore on wood or other flexible material, a smaller bearing length (about 1.5 inches) is allowed, because wood can distribute the load differently.

When floor joists rest on masonry, the bearing length must be enough to safely transfer the joist load into the wall without crushing the mortar joints or damaging the joist end. Masonry is rigid and can fail under a concentrated load, so the code requires a longer bearing surface: three inches on each end. This provides adequate area for the joist to sit and helps protect both the joist end and the wall. If the joists bore on wood or other flexible material, a smaller bearing length (about 1.5 inches) is allowed, because wood can distribute the load differently.