Building Code Glossary
Steel Joist: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define steel joist, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · 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.
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, 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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Steel Joist is defined once in this corpus, in the Steel 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 | IBC 2009 | 15 |
| Floors | IRC 2009 | 15 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Roof-ceiling Construction | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | 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.
Structural steel, open web steel joist or joist girder, or composite steel and concrete frame structures.
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 — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Solid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).
- Steel — 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 and the ICC 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
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Steel: Building Code Definition
- Solid: Building Code Definition
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 publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
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.
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