Boise raises the I-joists bar

By Simon Jones

Latest veneer technology

Having already led the way in helping engineered timber I-Joists displace traditional solid wooden beams from the majority of the housing market, as well as other sectors, the BCI®Joist has taken another jump forward in both performance and perception thanks to some small, yet important, technical improvements.

The new 5000-, 6000- and 6500-series joists utilise the latest veneer technology to improve the dynamics of the flange by decreasing its depth and increasing its width. This has a number of key advantages:

• in engineering terms, this positions more of the flange where it needs to be, in order to resist tension and compression forces
• for the carpenter and dry-liner, it provides wider nailing surfaces with flanges now a minimum of 50mm wide
• it improves efficiencies in manufacturing, helping improve latent capacity and ensuring competitive supply
• it is a further demonstration of Boise’s commitment to environmentally-aware man by engineering a reduction in resin requirements

Mimicking the shape and load distribution of steel girders, the joists feature a web formed from a high-grade OSB, separating flanges of laminated veneers (LVL). While the original units were stronger, lighter and easier to work with than conventional floor beams, the new variants raise the bar again.

Seen as being in step with the principles of prefabrication and off-site construction the joists enable carpenters and even multi-skilled operatives to install floor constructions more quickly, with their low weight and consistent dimensions making assembly a rapid and easily repeatable operation. Not only does the reduced weight cut the risk of back strains, the chamfered edges to the flanges virtually eliminate splinter injuries.

Utilising the BCI joists in accordance with the company’s installation instructions will avoid the cost and inconvenience associated with having to rectify the problem of squeaking floors. Stiffness is a key characteristic in the ‘feel’ of a floor and therefore, the cost effective ability of BCI®Joists to increase depth without suffering the price and weight penalties associated with conventional beams, means the range of sizes can provide economic solutions for very many commercial as well as domestic situations.

The high quality and consistent performance of BCI®Joists eliminate the need for on-site grading while the long lengths available further increase the simplicity of the construction process. Site times can be dramatically reduced by using the system and the joists can multispan in one place.

As well as easily accommodating normal residential spans, the strength of the joists provides for flexibility of the upstairs room layouts, while the joists can be combined with the VERSA-LAM® beam products to make up Boise’s Simple Framing System^TM.

The joists are straightforward to cut or trim on site using normal tools, while the provision of 38 mm diameter knock-out holes simplifies the routing of pipes and cables. Larger services can also be accommodated in the web. They are readily available through a nationwide network of distributors, normally being supplied as precision-cut, plot-specific packages, and are supported by a full design service.

More information: www.BC.com/eu