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Where should notches in the top or bottom of the joists be located in relation to the span?

  1. In the middle third

  2. In the middle half

  3. Near the ends

  4. Evenly distributed

The correct answer is: In the middle third

The correct response is that notches in the top or bottom of the joists should not be located in the middle third of the span. This is because the middle third of a joist's span is where the maximum bending moment occurs, making it the most critical area structurally. Notching in this section can significantly weaken the joist and increase the risk of failure under load. By avoiding notches in this area, the integrity of the joist is maintained, ensuring that it can properly support the loads it is designed for. This principle follows the guidelines established in building codes and best practices to ensure safety and structural soundness. Proper placement of notches elsewhere, such as near the ends or in a way that distributes them evenly across non-critical sections, helps to preserve the joist's structural performance.