Which term is used to describe a system that distributes a concentrated load across the floor?

Which term is used to describe a system that distributes a concentrated load across the floor?

• A. Blocking
• B. Subflooring
• C. Decking
• D. Bridging

Answer: (D)

Briding describes a system that spreads a concentrated load across multiple floor joists. By linking joists with bridging pieces (often cross-bridging between them), the force from a heavy point load is shared among several joists instead of being carried by a single member. This helps reduce local deflection and helps keep the floor stiff and stable. Blocking, on the other hand, involves short pieces placed between joists mainly to support ends of flooring or to prevent joist rotation, not primarily to distribute a point load. Subflooring is the surface layer that the flooring rests on and does help carry loads to some extent, but the term that specifically means distributing a concentrated load across the floor is bridging. Decking refers to exterior deck boards, not interior floor framing.

Briding describes a system that spreads a concentrated load across multiple floor joists. By linking joists with bridging pieces (often cross-bridging between them), the force from a heavy point load is shared among several joists instead of being carried by a single member. This helps reduce local deflection and helps keep the floor stiff and stable.

Blocking, on the other hand, involves short pieces placed between joists mainly to support ends of flooring or to prevent joist rotation, not primarily to distribute a point load. Subflooring is the surface layer that the flooring rests on and does help carry loads to some extent, but the term that specifically means distributing a concentrated load across the floor is bridging. Decking refers to exterior deck boards, not interior floor framing.