In steel stud construction, holes are allowed to be spaced no closer than which distance along the stud?

In steel stud construction, holes are allowed to be spaced no closer than which distance along the stud?

• A. 12 inches
• B. 18 inches
• C. 24 inches
• D. 36 inches

Answer: (C)

In steel stud construction, holes drilled through the stud weaken the member, so you need to keep enough solid material between openings to maintain load-carrying and bending resistance. The minimum spacing prevents placing holes too close together along the length, reducing the risk of localized weakness that could lead to failure. The closest allowable distance between hole centers along a stud is 24 inches, ensuring there’s at least 24 inches of steel between holes. Smaller distances would concentrate weakening and compromise structural performance.

In steel stud construction, holes drilled through the stud weaken the member, so you need to keep enough solid material between openings to maintain load-carrying and bending resistance. The minimum spacing prevents placing holes too close together along the length, reducing the risk of localized weakness that could lead to failure. The closest allowable distance between hole centers along a stud is 24 inches, ensuring there’s at least 24 inches of steel between holes. Smaller distances would concentrate weakening and compromise structural performance.