During the inspection of a newly framed floor, you notice several I-joists have small holes drilled through their web near the top and bottom flanges. These holes were made for plumbing lines. What is the immediate concern and required remedial action?

Question: During the inspection of a newly framed floor, you notice several I-joists have small holes drilled through their web near the top and bottom flanges. These holes were made for plumbing lines. What is the immediate concern and required remedial action?

Answer options:

• No concern, as small holes in the web are generally permitted anywhere.
• The holes are acceptable if a metal stiffening plate is added across them. ✅ These holes violate manufacturer's specifications and likely compromise the joist's structural integrity, requiring professional engineering review and possible reinforcement or replacement.
• Fill the holes with expanding foam insulation to restore strength.

Correct answer: These holes violate manufacturer's specifications and likely compromise the joist's structural integrity, requiring professional engineering review and possible reinforcement or replacement.

Explanation: Drilling holes, especially near the flanges of an I-joist, can significantly compromise its structural integrity by reducing the effective depth and weakening the web's shear capacity. Manufacturer's guidelines must always be followed for web penetrations, which typically specify locations and maximum sizes. Such unapproved holes require engineering assessment. Filling with foam or adding simple metal plates is insufficient.