FEMA P-1100/ICC 1300 Floor Connections Compared To Common Sense

 ICC 1300  only offers two options for making floor connections to the cripple wall.  The first one is the option we see in all the seismic retrofit guidelines where there is full access to the end joist or blocking and you simply put in a framing anchor such as an L-90.  The other option shown here is when another parallel joist is in the way.  

This video will show you how FEMA P-1100/ICC 1300 deals with this problem compared to a system contractors developed.  As you will see, ICC 1300 uses a system that adds considerably to the cost of a retrofit. 

 

Retrofitting floor connections with steel

It uses a combination of framing anchors and nails.  The video explains how this detail is built and why this detail won’t work.

retrofitting floor connections with nails

This detail is one used by contractors and only uses nails.  It has fewer moving parts and is much easier to install.

Another option is to notch the joist as illustrated below.  It is a code violation to notch a joist like this, but based on my experience, you can’t tell the difference.  If you jump on the floor as hard as you can before and after notching the floor support feels the same.

Retrofitting floor connections with notches.

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