11/14/2017 FAQSteelJoistInstitute

FAQ
What kind of information is provided on the joist tag and is it helpful in identifying the
capacity of the joist?
Typically, the joist tag provides information that is useful to the erector in matching a particular joist
in the eld to a location on the placing plan. If the placing plan or approved eld use drawings from
the joist manufacturer are available, then the tag information could be useful. If plans are not
available, it is possible that the manufacturer may still have helpful information. When all else fails,
contact the manufacturer.

How can the correct joist series be determined by the date of original construction of the
building in question?
The chart below gives the dates for each joist series from the beginning of the Steel Joist Institute in
1928.

1929-1958 SJ-Series 1953-1958 Longspans

1958-1961 S-Series 1958-1961 L-Series

1961-1978 J-Series 1961-1966 LA-Series

1961-1986 H-Series 1967-1978 LJ-Series

1986- K-Series 1970-1978 DLJ-Series

1962-Present LH-Series

1970-Present DLH-Series

Are bearing seat depths helpful in determining the joist series?

Typical seat depth for short span joists (SJ, S, J, H & K) is 2 . Typical seat depth for long span joists
(Longspan, L, LA, LJ, DLJ, LH, DLH) is 5. For DLH-Series with chord section 18 through 25, the seat
depth is 7 .

Can the bridging be removed after the joists are erected, the deck is in place and
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