Small Cracks in the Flange at Ends of I-Joists

It is not uncommon to find small cracks that radiate from the corner of the flange groove in prefabricated I-joists, especially at the joist ends. These cracks may occur during transit or storage of the I-joists at a corner of the groove where stress concentration is high.

This publication is designed for: builders, contractors

This publication addresses the effect of the small cracks on the I-joist design capacities. Based on the standard reduction factor applied to I-joist end and intermediate reaction values, there is a justification that these small cracks are accounted for without further reducing the published design values to account for minor damage to joist ends during installation

Key sections include:

• Origin and cause of cracks

• Effects of cracks

• I-joist design capacities

• Referenced standard

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.