[simiesue]

Hi,

The floors in our living room have always had a "bounce" in them. The floorboards are plywood boards and are nailed/glued on wooden I-beams. Everything (i.e. spacing between beams, materials, etc..) meets code according to the house inspector we used when we purchased the house. We have been able to eliminate the bounce by screwing in a couple of 2" x 4" planks across the bottoms (i.e connecting) several I-beams. Just want to make sure that this is O.K. to do from a code stand point (we're in MN). We plan on selling our house and don't want to run into any issues on inspection. Any other suggestions on how to eliminate this bounce assuming our current solution does not meet code?

 

[loneframer]

With wood I joists, if the bottoms are not finished, such as drywall, they should have continuous strapping on the bottoms to minimize vibration and force the joists to work together, as a system.

 

[simiesue]

what do you mean by continuous strapping? do the 2x4 serve that purpose or is there something else I should use for that purpose... can you specify.
We have a drop down ceiling and have full access to the I beams.
Thanks for any advice

 

[epson]

Existing beams or joists can be reinforced by adding steel or wood reinforcement (sistering) along the existing members to develop additional load carrying capacity (below). The length and bearing of the new reinforcing beams or joists will depend on the existing conditions and should be reviewed with a structural engineer.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

Epson, the diagram you posted was for a flitch (not filch as shown on the drawing) plate, which is not suitable for a wooden I beam, which is what the OP stated they had. The discussion was related to connecting the I beams to each other using metal strapping, which would not increase the structural capacity of any one individual I beam, but would reduce lateral movement, which can feel like bounce to a person walking on the floor. Hence strapping is recommended, and may be required under some codes. The OPS indicated they had screwed at least one 2x4 across the bottom of a couple of I beams, which would act similarly to strapping. Only the building inspector can determine if use of 2x4's meets code.