During an inspection of a crawlspace, you observe a floor joist that has been cut to accommodate a new drain pipe. The notch is located in the center third of the joist's span and removes approximately 50% of the joist's depth. This is a significant structural defect because:
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A
Notches are not permitted in the middle third of the span where bending stresses are highest.
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B
The notch exceeds the maximum permitted length of one-quarter of the joist's depth.
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C
Holes, not notches, are required for all plumbing penetrations through floor joists.
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D
The joist should have been replaced with a properly sized steel I-beam before the pipe was installed.