How deep can notches be made in solid sawn beams?

The correct answer is rooted in the structural integrity of the beam and the guidelines provided in building codes. Notching is allowed in solid sawn beams, but there are specific regulations regarding how deep these notches can be.

When a notch is made, it can potentially weaken the beam, so limiting it to one-third of the beam depth is a guideline that helps maintain sufficient strength and load-bearing capacity. This restriction is in place to ensure that the beam can adequately support the loads it carries without risk of failure or excessive deflection.

In practical terms, if notches were allowed to be deeper, it could compromise the structural integrity of the beam, leading to potential safety hazards. The guidelines ensure that any alterations made for plumbing, electrical, or other construction needs do not unduly compromise the overall stability of the structure.