Before bundles of deck can be landed on a bar joist, what must be installed?

Bridging must be installed before bundles of deck can be safely landed on a bar joist. Bridging serves the crucial purpose of providing lateral stability to the bar joists. This is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the assembly during construction. Without proper bridging, the joists can be susceptible to lateral movement or buckling under the weight of the deck bundles, which could lead to failure or accidents.

Installing bridging ensures that the load is distributed evenly and helps resist forces that could cause the joists to sway or twist. It plays a key role in the overall stability of the framework before additional loads, such as decking panels, are placed on top. Properly bridged joists create a safer environment for installation and further construction activities, aligning with safety and structural standards in ironworking.