AC07 - Prefabricated Wood I-Joists

Overview

Prefabricated wood I-joists are strong, lightweight engineered wood beams shaped like the letter I. They consist of top and bottom flanges made of lumber or laminated veneer lumber and a web made of plywood or oriented strand board. This design allows them to support floors and roofs over long spans with less material than solid wood joists. Building codes require that their structural capacity be proven through standards such as ASTM D5055, ensuring that these I-joists can safely carry the loads in a house or other structure.

Purpose

This acceptance criteria provides a basis for evaluating prefabricated wood I-joists that may not be directly covered by existing codes. It establishes testing protocols, structural performance requirements, and quality standards needed for code approval of these engineered wood products.

Benefits of Compliance

• Nationwide acceptance by building officials for I-joist installations
• Streamlined approval process for engineered wood products
• Third-party verification of structural performance claims
• Enhanced marketability and credibility for I-joist manufacturers

Resources

• ICC Evaluation Service