building regulations
girder is the main horizontal beam . the joists which are usually smaller, are connected to the girders and are supported by the girder.
Bridging is always a good idea. I did a little construction work a long time ago, and we always used thin metal strips between the joists in new construction instead of wooden bridge work. Here's a picture of metal bridging between joists. In this picture they have bridging every third of the way, or every 4' on a 12' floor. http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/content/34459?trkid=tfhplus_november_07
From AS 1684.4 Residential Timber Framing Code 2.6.4.1 Coupled roof Pitched roof construction with a roof slope not less than 10°, with ceiling joists and collar ties fixed to opposing common rafter pairs and a ridgeboard at the apex of the roof (see Figure 7.1). A coupled roof system may include some area where it is not possible to fix ceiling joists or collar ties to all rafters, e.g., hip ends or parts of T- or L-shaped house. 2.6.4.2 Non-coupled roof A pitched roof that is not a coupled roof and includes cathedral roofs and roofs constructed using ridge and intermediate beams.
One-way-solid slab flexible but limited in span. one way concrete joist system allows longer spans. Wide module or skip system allows longer span and uses less concrete than the one-way joist system. Slab bands or joist bands may be used with these systems, They serve to reduce the spans of the slabs to conserve headroom in the building.
 Two- way-2 way solid slab rarely used but useful where loads are heavy. Two-way flat slab good for heavy loading, two-way flat plate good for lighter floor loading. Very flexible in column locations. Conserves headroom in buildings. Two-way concrete joists or waffle systems good for long spans.
In your country's building codes.
Building Regulation A - Structure. Try this link for full details - http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_AD_A_2004.pdf
Yes...Though it can take a while to drill through. I had to put my curtains up drilling timber to I RSJ's. No more then 20mm/30mm max though I doubt you will find the kit to do that. ponypomp; Guess you are referring to electrical and plumbing lines. For engineered joists, such as laminated veneer lumber or I-joists, follow the manufacturer's hole-drilling specifications exactly. Hope you go with pex for you water. Cheap,easy to work with, more freeze resistant, cleaner, less work.
Yes. Rafters and flloor joists do not have to run the same direction.
Joists resting upon sills and girders
That depends upon the size of the joists & grade/species of wood
Different situations call for different joists. Generally floor joists are 2 x 12.
Different manufacturers. Trusjoist McMillan (sp?) and Boise Cascade
It depends on what timber your joists are,how much water has been involved and for how long the water has been affecting the joists.Stop the egress of water and let the joists dry out.Take it from there.
viguetas
Any joists which are not straight shoud be positioned with the camber or crown (curved edge) upwards. When loaded these joists will tend to straighten out rather than sag further if laid the other way up!
If your house is wood framed with wood joists, the shaking may be caused by floor joists being too small. This will cause the floor to sink whenever a person walks across the room. Floor joists should be size by an experienced carpenter, architect, or engineer to prevent movement.Another cause of floor movement may be insufficient bracing between the floor joists. This will cause sagging and twisting of the joists.There are several solutions that require the skills carpenter. New joists can be added beside the existing joists to strengthen the floor. Another option is to add one or more beams and columns in the room below the floor. Or blocking can be added between existing joists to add support.