Final answer:
In modern construction, floor joists are often replaced by alternatives like engineered wood products such as I-joists and trusses, concrete slabs, or light gauge steel sections, each offering various benefits like increased strength, durability, and resistance to issues affecting wood joists.
Step-by-step explanation:
In modern construction methods, one alternative to traditional floor joists that is frequently used is engineered wood products, such as I-joists and trusses. These engineered wood products are designed to provide greater strength, stability, and uniformity compared to traditional solid lumber joists. I-joists consist of two horizontal layers, known as flanges, connected by a vertical component called a web. The flanges are typically made from laminated veneer lumber or sawn wood, while the web is often constructed of plywood or oriented strand board.
Another modern alternative to floor joists is the use of concrete slabs, which are particularly common in commercial and industrial buildings, but are also used in some residential construction. These slabs can either be solid or have an internal lattice framework that makes them lighter and more cost-effective, known as voided biaxial slabs. Concrete offers a high level of durability and is resistant to many of the problems that can affect wood joists, such as rot, termites, and warping. Moreover, concrete slabs can also support radiant heating systems and provide thermal mass, which can be beneficial for energy efficiency.
The adoption of light gauge steel is another modern technique where cold-formed steel sections serve as an alternative to wooden floor joists. This approach provides durability, resistance to fire, termites, and mold, and can be precisely fabricated off-site, ensuring high quality and reducing construction time. Light gauge steel flooring systems are often incorporated in commercial construction but have also gained popularity in residential buildings.