Joist bridging
The term 'bridging' refers to a brace, or an arrangement of braces, that is fixed between floor or roof joists to keep them in place, prevent joist rotation, and distributing loads over more than one joist. Other, similar terms include 'nogging' and 'dwang'.
Bridging can help strengthen a floor and stop it from bouncing when occupants walk across it. By bridging, each joist shares load with the one/s next to it, which can help reduce deflection by as much as half.
There are a number of different bridging techniques that can be used. Solid bridging involves joist-depth timber being installed perpendicular to and between the joists. Cross-bridging involves an ‘X’ being formed between joists by pairs by braces (also known as herringbone struts).
If a floor has bridging running down the centre already, it can be stiffened further by adding additional rows on either side. The bridging that is already in place should be fastened tightly using additional nails or screws. A good rule-of-thumb is that the span of the joists should be measured and then divided by three, with rows of bridging then placed at both of the one-third points.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers Budget
Repairing, fixing, rebuilding, protecting and strengthening.
Expectation management in building design
Interest, management, occupant satisfaction and the performance gap.
Connecting conservation research and practice with IHBC
State of the art heritage research & practice and guidance.
Innovative Silica Safety Toolkit
Receives funding boost in memory of construction visionary.
Gentle density and the current context of planning changes
How should designers deliver it now as it appears in NPPF.
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Making the most of urban land: Brownfield Passports
Policy paper in brief with industry responses welcomed.
The boundaries and networks of the Magonsæte.