Have you ever stopped to pay attention to the roofs over our heads? A lot of people live, work, and play under roofs but rarely give them much thought. Roofs keep us safe and sheltered, and many of them are serious engineering feats. That’s why we’re going to take a moment to look at the typical local bar joist.
If you find a flat roof or a roof with a low slope, you may find that it’s supported by bar joists. Essentially, these joists are beams.
However, instead of being constructed solidly out of metal, they use a top chord and a bottom chord, with a support bar running in a zig-zag pattern in between.
The crucial point is that a bar joist can be used to bear weight. While these joists are relatively light, they are sturdy and can support quite a bit. Of course, it’s important to ensure that the joist is constructed properly and installed correctly. You’ll also find variations between joists and how much they can support. It is crucial to study the specifics before you start erecting something.
Ultimately, construction techniques have advanced by leaps and bounds over the last few hundred years. Humble joists may not seem like much, but they actually represent a significant engineering development. Keep that in mind the next time you pass under a roof.
.
