InvisiBeam® Blocking Installation in St. Louis, MO

Ensuring Proper Load Transfer on Non-Load Bearing Walls

The Challenge

When reinforcing a non-load bearing wall with InvisiBeam®, and the floor joists run parallel to the wall, special steps must be taken to ensure the system functions correctly. Without proper blocking, the post-tensioned top anchor won’t have a sufficient load path to transfer force into the floor system above—compromising the performance of the reinforcement.

The Solution

RamJack of St. Louis, Missouri, a certified Fortress contractor, provided a textbook installation of proper blocking to ensure a solid and code-compliant setup. Their method included:

• Installing 2x6" lumber as blocking between the rim joist and the first floor joist.

• Continuing this blocking pattern back six bays to distribute the load evenly across multiple framing members.

This approach ensures that the post-tensioned top anchor of each InvisiBeam strap can transfer wall pressure into the floor framing system—critical for effective long-term reinforcement.

Fortress recommends a minimum of three bays of blocking, though contractors should always confirm requirements with local building codes to ensure compliance.

Why It Matters

Without proper blocking in parallel joist conditions, the strength of the InvisiBeam system can be compromised. Blocking ensures that the entire structure—not just the strap—works together to resist inward wall pressure. This detail, while often overlooked, plays a major role in performance, safety, and code adherence.

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