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In a two-family dwelling, floor joists that bear directly upon wood must have at least how many inches of bearing?

  1. 2

  2. 3

The correct answer is: 1½

In a two-family dwelling, floor joists that bear directly upon wood must have a minimum bearing of 1½ inches to ensure proper support and stability. This requirement is established by building codes to prevent structural issues, such as the potential for joist failure or excessive deflection over time. The 1½ inches of bearing provides a solid foundation for the joists, minimizing the risk of movement and ensuring that loads are adequately transferred to the supporting structure below. Larger bearing requirements, such as 2 inches or more, may be appropriate for other structural components or specific engineering designs but are not necessary for standard floor joists. Consequently, the reduced bearing requirement is a critical component of building design, ensuring safety and adherence to construction standards while also allowing for easier installation and alignment within typical residential frameworks.