Framing, Carpentry, and Structural Systems
Framing, Carpentry, and Structural Systems tests whether you can maintain a continuous load path, size members from code tables, and detail connections that resist gravity and lateral loads.
Load path and members
Gravity loads travel from roof to foundation through rafters, trusses, joists, beams, headers, columns, and footings. Lateral loads require sheathing, diaphragms, chords, and connectors. Use the span tables in the adopted IRC or IBC for joists, rafters, and headers; do not substitute a deeper member without checking bearing, deflection, and point loads. Observe limits on notching and boring, and use hangers and fasteners specified for the connection.
Fire, energy, and decks
Fire blocking and draftstopping must be installed at required locations. Air sealing and insulation details affect energy compliance. Decks need a positive connection to the structure, proper ledger flashing, lateral ties, joist hangers, and guardrails; attaching a ledger to brick veneer is not a structural connection.
Worked example
A homeowner wants a load-bearing wall removed. The plan shows a 16 ft opening. A 2x10 header is proposed, but the span table and the second-floor point load require a deeper engineered beam and a new column with a footing. The correct sequence is to verify the load path, obtain design and permit approval, install temporary shoring, build the beam and posts, and inspect before closing the wall.
Traps
Overnotching joists; sizing headers by guess; hanging a deck ledger from veneer; omitting fire blocking; cutting truss webs without an engineer.