A ___ and a beam seat make beam-to-foundation wall connections.

A ___ and a beam seat make beam-to-foundation wall connections.

• A. Joist hanger
• B. Girder hanger
• C. Anchor bolt
• D. Nail plate

Answer: (B)

For a beam-to-foundation wall connection, a beam sits on a bearing surface called a beam seat and is secured with a girder hanger. The beam seat provides a stable resting point on top of the foundation, while the girder hanger fastens the beam to the foundation wall and transfers the load down into the wall. This setup resists uplift and horizontal forces and keeps the beam properly aligned. A joist hanger, by contrast, is designed for lighter floor or ceiling joists and isn’t intended to carry a heavy girder over a foundation. An anchor bolt by itself anchors wood to concrete but doesn’t provide the bearing support and vertical restraint required for a beam-to-wall connection. A nail plate is used to protect wires or hold lightweight framing together, not to support a structural beam.

For a beam-to-foundation wall connection, a beam sits on a bearing surface called a beam seat and is secured with a girder hanger. The beam seat provides a stable resting point on top of the foundation, while the girder hanger fastens the beam to the foundation wall and transfers the load down into the wall. This setup resists uplift and horizontal forces and keeps the beam properly aligned. A joist hanger, by contrast, is designed for lighter floor or ceiling joists and isn’t intended to carry a heavy girder over a foundation. An anchor bolt by itself anchors wood to concrete but doesn’t provide the bearing support and vertical restraint required for a beam-to-wall connection. A nail plate is used to protect wires or hold lightweight framing together, not to support a structural beam.