This study examined ten series of timber I-joists with single flange notch at different locations in two span lengths (12 and 20 ft) and compared with the uncut I-joists to understand the reduction in load capacity, stiffness and failure mechanism of the tested I-joists. Flange stiffness is very critical as it provides the flexural strength to the I-joist, hence it is prohibited to cut or notch the I-joist flanges. However, in order to provide passageway for service conduits and ducts, cuts and notches in the flange of I-joist are frequently made during construction without considering the structural integrity of the system. Timber I-joist is a common building construction element in North America and Europe due to its availability and easiness of passing the service conduits and ducts through openings in the Oriented Strand Board (OSB) web of I-joists.
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