Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

The connection between a pressure treated deck ledger and a 2 inch nominal lumber band joist in a single-family dwelling must be constructed with a minimum ____ inch lag screw or bolt?

1. 1/4

2. 1/2

3. 5/8

4. 3/4

The correct answer is: 1/2

In construction, ensuring proper connections in structural elements is critical for safety and longevity. The minimum requirement of a 1/2 inch lag screw or bolt for connecting a pressure-treated deck ledger to a 2-inch nominal lumber band joist is based on established building codes and standards, which take into account the load-bearing capacity, durability, and potential environmental factors affecting the materials involved. Using a lag screw or bolt of this size provides sufficient strength to handle the forces exerted on the connection, particularly when the deck experiences variable loads from people and furniture, as well as from environmental factors like wind or snow. Additionally, a 1/2 inch lag screw helps prevent issues like pull-through or shear failure, which could compromise the stability of the deck. Smaller sizes may not offer adequate strength for this critical connection, and larger sizes, while potentially stronger, may not be necessary and could lead to other issues such as excessive splitting of the wood. Thus, following the code-prescribed dimensions ensures that the structure remains safe and performs as intended over time.