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I already know that a hole bored in a sawn lumber joist cannot be within 2" of any edge or any other notch or hole. And that the hole can only be a maximum of 1/3 the depth of the member (International Residential Code 2012 R502.8). Given all this, is this a code compliant joist?

Bored Joist

For more detail on the code used to determine the dimensions mentioned above, see this answer.

After doing more research, I've found sources that recommend not placing holes closer to each other than the maximum hole size. For example, in a 2x10 holes should be at least 3 5/64" away from each other.

Bored Joist holes max size distance spacing

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    Code or no, you know the inspector would reject. There is an implied obligation (and maybe an express general provision) to use sound building materials, and swiss cheese boards are obviously a material (pun intended) compromise of that obligation.
    – bib
    Commented Jan 12, 2015 at 14:43
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    Are we sure it's not 42?
    – Doresoom
    Commented Jan 12, 2015 at 22:12
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    "Code or no, you know the inspector would reject." ...Well, that's not how it works. There are codes in place for safety and a building's structural integrity, and it's the inspectors job to enforce them. NOT make up his own.
    – Speedy Petey
    Commented Jan 14, 2015 at 12:01
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    What you say is true speedy_petey - it might be semantically wrong, but it is generally the case that the term 'inspector' is used in place of 'authority having jurisdiction' Either way, it is not safe to assume that the code being enforced is a published standard, unless you are certain that the AHJ has made no changes to that standard. In the USA the Government will often make laws for Federal lands that render any existing published codes null and void. Tester did not mention that the IRC solely and completely applied in his case. Thanks to his comment, we now know this is the case.
    – Some Guy
    Commented Mar 20, 2015 at 16:44
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    From what I can tell, that meets code. The subjective question remains as to whether it will pass inspection. Personally, I'd prefer all those holes to a single notch, anywhere.
    – Mazura
    Commented Jul 17, 2015 at 16:00

3 Answers 3

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If there is nothing in the code of practice which specifies a limit to the number of holes, then there is no limit to the number of holes.

From an engineering standpoint, this is because a beam with holes in it can act like a truss (see e.g. the bailey truss). The minimum hole sizes and minimum spacing is to allow enough timber to act as the vertical/inclined "truss elements". Therefore if it is ok to have two large, closely spaced holes at any arbitrary position along the beam, then it is ok to have holes of that diameter and spacing the whole way along the beam.

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  • OP's link should answer any code questions. Nice to have a civil engineer chime in on this one ;)
    – Mazura
    Commented Jul 17, 2015 at 17:00
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Structural engineer here. This answer is late, but better late than never.

Notches (cut-aways from the edge) have more requirements due to the flexural (bending) nature of beams: the upper and lowest most fibers of the wood member take the most stress and control the design strength of a beam. See the figure linked below for specific requirements, taken from the IRC.

While the hole locations are less strictly controlled in the IRC, you want to avoid them in the outer ~1/4 of the joist span, as that is where the maximum shear occurs which is designed using the bulk of the wood material, not just the top and bottom fibers like in flexure. I don't think this is codified anywhere, but it's a good rule of thumb.

In summary: Holes should be limited to D/3 in the middle (1/2) of the span and I would limit holes to 1" or D/8, whichever is smaller (this is not codified, but is reasonable), for the outer (1/4) of the span. Holes should never be outside the middle (1/3) of a member. Weyerhaeuser recommends 2x[Hole Diameter] minimum clear distance between holes for their TJI products, which would be a conservative rule of thumb to apply moving forward. I also wouldn't drill holes above each another.

enter image description here

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    Professional input is definitely welcome! To address the question specifically, as I read your answer, it would be OK to bore a series of holes meeting the D/3 size guideline, spaced D/3 apart, in the center 1/2 of the joist, while a series of 1" max holes (spaced a minimum of ?? apart) could be bored in the outer 1/4 span. Is that correct? It would be good to edit that into your answer.
    – FreeMan
    Commented Dec 8, 2020 at 19:09
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You need to provide more information before your question can be properly answered.

Yes, the location of the holes are code compliant.

But that is only 1 aspect of a code compliant joist.

As you know, meeting the limits on one section of code does not exempt you from the others.

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Can you please provide:

The requirements for a joist used in the intended location. (Specific use center 1st floor or roof on a 3 story house is just 1 example that location of use could change the answer.)

The type of wood, and information about any treatments that is being used in the joist in enough detail to be able to determine its load bearing properties under the code that applies to lumber strength. (Oak vs Pine as an example)

The calculations used to determine that the holes in the joist do not have a negative effect on its strength. (Not only deadweight loading, but things like empty holes allowing for more rapid spreading of fire, will be critical)

I am sure there are other variables, but as only the IRC applies, these items are critical, and will hopefully allow you to be given an answer with a high degree of confidence.

Thanks

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  • @xavier is correct. Yes, the Code May allow a hole placed in a certain position, but it doesn’t mean you “should” if there’s a knothole or check in the joist, not to mention draftstops, intermediate walls, duct hanger location, etc. That’s why allowable stress loads are used, not ultimate loads. Then, when someone “follows the Code” and drills a hole that “meets Code” But is adjacent to a giant knothole, there isn’t a failure.
    – Lee Sam
    Commented Dec 13, 2017 at 3:10

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