Non-Weld Joist Reinforcement System and Method

A method of reinforcing a metal joist including a chord, the chord having a first chord end and a second chord end, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first reinforcement rod having a first rod end and a second rod end;
• securing the first rod end to the first end of the chord;
• securing the second rod end to the second end of the chord;
• and
• clamping the first reinforcement rod to the chord in at least one location between the first and second chord ends.

A joist chord reinforcement apparatus for a metal joist having a chord with a first chord end and a second chord end, the apparatus comprising:

• a reinforcement rod having a first rod end and a second rod end;
• a first end clamp assembly operable to clamp the first end of the reinforcement rod to the first chord end of the metal joist;
• a second end clamp assembly operable to clamp the second end of the reinforcement rod to the second chord end of the metal joist;
• a plurality of rod clamping assemblies operable to clamp the first reinforcement rod to the chord at spaced locations between the first and second end clamp assemblies when the first end clamp assembly is clamping the first end of the reinforcement rod to the first chord end of the metal joist and the second end clamp assembly is clamping the first end of the reinforcement rod to the first chord end of the metal joist.