# Steel Joist: Building Code Definition > How the IBC 2009 define steel joist, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel-joist/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IBC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IBC 2009 Steel (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 5 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Steel joist is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Steel. The code's own words are: “Any steel structural member of a building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed rolled sections.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Steel (IBC 2009), Floors (IRC 2009), Structural Design (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. *Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Steel Joist** — IBC 2009, Steel: > Any steel structural member of a building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed rolled sections. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Steel Joist: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/steel-joist/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IBC 2009 define steel joist, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Steel Joist** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Steel](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/steel.md) chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009: > Any steel structural member of a building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed rolled sections. ## Where steel joist is used in the code The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Steel](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/steel.md) | IBC 2009 | 15 | | [Floors](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md) | IRC 2009 | 15 | | [Structural Design](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/structural-design.md) | IBC 2009 | 2 | | [Roof-ceiling Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/roof-ceiling-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about steel joist, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > The registered design professional shall indicate on the construction documents the steel joist and/or steel joist girder designations from the specifications listed in Section 2206.1 and shall indicate the requirements for joist and joist girder design, layout, end supports, anchorage, non-Sjl standard bridging, bridging termination connections and bearing connection design to resist uplift and lateral loads. — [IBC 2009 §2206.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/steel.md) > Structural steel, open web steel joist or joist girder, or composite steel and concrete frame structures. — [IBC 2009 §1614.3.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/structural-design.md) ## The terms steel joist is built out of The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what steel joist covers: - **[Structure](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structure.md)** — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof. - **[Building](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)** — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. - **[Solid](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/solid.md)** — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C). - **[Steel](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel.md)** — IFC 2009: Hot-or cold-rolled as defined by the International Building Code. ## Steel Joist: what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Steel | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Steel (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Floors (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof-ceiling Construction (IRC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Building | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Solid | | | Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | | **A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply. ## Where can you explore related guidance? - [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Structure: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/structure.md) - [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md) - [Steel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel.md) - [Solid: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/solid.md) ## Sources and method Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of steel joist? The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Steel as: “Any steel structural member of a building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed rolled sections.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally. ### Which parts of the code depend on steel joist? In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Steel in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own. ### What is a steel joist? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Steel: “Any steel structural member of a building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed rolled sections.” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fsteel-joist%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel-joist/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt