Steel joist support at columns parallel to joists

December 15, 2003

MEMORANDUM FOR:
JOHN B. MILES

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR, Region VI
ATTN:
JEFF LEWIS
FROM:
RUSSELL B. SWANSON, DIRECTOR

DIRECTORATE OF CONSTRUCTION
SUBJECT:
§1926.757(a)(1)

This is in response to Mr. Jeff Lewis' e-mail dated August 15, 2003, requesting an interpretation for §1926.757(a)(1).

We have paraphrased the questions as follows:

Question (1): Scenario: Some columns in a building are in a column line that runs parallel to the joists (see columns B and C in the diagram below). [Diagram appears in the source document.] Does §1926.757(a)(1) pertain to such columns?

Answer:

Section 1927.757(a)(1) states:

[W]here steel joists are used and columns are not framed in at least two directions with solid web structural steel members, a steel joist shall be field-bolted at the column to provide lateral stability to the column during erection.

The purpose of this provision is to prevent joists from collapsing due to insufficient stability of the columns that are supporting them. A field-bolted joist is required in order to provide that stability at a column that is not framed in at least two directions with solid web structural steel members (see, for example, column A). This provision does not apply with respect to a column in a line that is parallel to the joists and that does not help bear the joists (such as columns B and C).

Question (2): Does "framed in at least two directions" mean framed in a perpendicular direction?

Answer:

Yes. Column support in this context means that the column is supported in two axes so that the column cannot fall (column D in the diagram above is framed in two directions with solid web members).