What is the maximum allowable height of a notch located 5 feet from the end of a 2" x 12" joist that is 12 feet long?

To determine the maximum allowable height of a notch located 5 feet from the end of a 2" x 12" joist that is 12 feet long, it's important to reference the guidelines regarding notching in lumber. Generally, the maximum height of a notch in a joist must not exceed one-third the depth of the joist when the notch is located at a distance from the end greater than one-fourth the length of the joist.

In this case, the joist has a depth of 12 inches (since it is a 2" x 12", which is actually 1.5" x 11.25" in true dimensions, but we use nominal dimensions in this context). One-third of the depth of the joist is 4 inches. Therefore, with the notch located 5 feet from the end (which is greater than one-fourth of the 12-foot joist), the maximum allowable notch height can indeed be determined by this one-third measurement.

Thus, 4 inches is the maximum notch height that meets the structural integrity requirements, making the option indicating a maximum allowable height of 4 feet accurate when properly restated to inches, as the context of the answer must be clear in relating