When the floor system extends beyond the foundation, the floor joists become ___ joists.

When the floor system extends beyond the foundation, the floor joists become ___ joists.

• A. Supported
• B. Cantilevered
• C. Overhanging
• D. Unsecured

Answer: (B)

When a floor system projects beyond its support, that portion is described as cantilevered. Floor joists that extend past the foundation act as cantilevers: the inner end is supported, but the outer end is not directly supported by another wall or post. The joist must resist bending from the load carried along the overhang, relying on its stiffness and the connection at the supported end. This term precisely captures the beam’s condition of extending beyond its support. While “overhanging” describes the same effect in everyday language, cantilevered is the correct structural term, distinguishing it from a fully supported or unsecured condition.

When a floor system projects beyond its support, that portion is described as cantilevered. Floor joists that extend past the foundation act as cantilevers: the inner end is supported, but the outer end is not directly supported by another wall or post. The joist must resist bending from the load carried along the overhang, relying on its stiffness and the connection at the supported end. This term precisely captures the beam’s condition of extending beyond its support. While “overhanging” describes the same effect in everyday language, cantilevered is the correct structural term, distinguishing it from a fully supported or unsecured condition.