Solid lumber joists may not have notches at the end of the member that are less than what fraction of the joist's depth?

Solid lumber joists are critical components in the structural framework of buildings, and their integrity is paramount for safety and stability. When it comes to notching solid lumber joists, building codes and engineering practices dictate specific guidelines to ensure that structural performance is not compromised.

Notching at the ends of joists can significantly affect their load-carrying capacity. According to standard building codes, a notch at the end of a joist should not exceed one-quarter of the joist's depth. This guideline exists because notches can create weak points in the joist, leading to potential failure under load. By limiting the size of the notch, the strength and stiffness of the joist are maintained, reducing the likelihood of structural compromise.

In the context of this question, adherence to the one-quarter depth restriction helps ensure that joists can adequately support the loads they will encounter while also allowing for appropriate deflection and stress distribution. Understanding these limits is crucial for anyone involved in building inspection and construction to uphold safety standards.