insufficient bar joist bearing
 

insufficient bar joist bearing
i am investigating an existing building (approximately 1 year old)which has a roof system of bar joists/girders. one particular joist bears only 1-1/2" on the girder. the bar joist specifications require a 2-1/2" bearing. there is another joist on the opposite side of the girder at this location with sufficient bearing. is there a way to reinforce the "end" of this joist or should i add a "seat" to the girder to obtain the required bearing?
if the building is that new, you should be able to get a recommendation from the joist manufacturer. i've seen it done both ways, but 1-1/2" is pretty short. if access is limited, adding a seat extension may be the only way you can go.
that's usually caught by the inspector, if there is one.
only way i've done it is with seat extensions.
i think the joist supplier/designer should be able to come up with joist seat extension design to increase the bearing to the minimum of 2.5 inches.
i have seen this done on past projects and it works fine.
i am curious why are you investigating a one year old structure?
regards,
lutfi